Infant deaths prompt safety supplement

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Graco Children's Products Inc. said Thursday it would provide new safety restraints for about 7 million infant<br>swings after six children died because of faulty or misused restraints,

Thursday, April 13th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Graco Children's Products Inc. said Thursday it would provide new safety restraints for about 7 million infant
swings after six children died because of faulty or misused restraints, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The restraints on swings made before November 1997 consist of a waist belt only and a hinged removable tray, which serves as a
restraint. If swing parts are missing, the restraints are not used or the tray comes off, infants can slip down into the seat and
strangle or fall from the swing, the commission said.

In five of the six deaths, swing owners had bought their swings second hand and the restraints were either missing or not used, the
panel noted.

Of the 209 incidents reported to the commission, 181 involved infants falling from the swing. Nine of the falls resulted in either bone fractures or concussions, while 22 infants were caught at the neck or chest, the commission said.

The battery-powered or windup swings come in either A-Frame or open-top design. Some models have removable seats which double as
an infant carrier.

The Elverson, Pa.-based company's replacement kit has a buckle that assures the usage of the crotch strap which will fasten
infants securely in the swings, the commission said.

Mass merchandisers, juvenile products stores and major discount stores sold the swings nationwide through January 1998 for between
$70 and $120.

Consumers should stop using these swings immediately and call Graco at 1-800-934-9082 anytime for a free safety restraint.

Consumers can also visit www.gracobaby.com on the Internet or write to Customer Affairs, Graco Children's Products Inc., P.O. Box 100,
Elverson, Pa., for the restraint upgrade.