Graco Ready2Grow Classic Connect Strollers Pose Safety Risk: Report

Some Graco infant strollers may not have strong enough brakes, according to the watchdog group Consumer Reports, which urges parents to avoid buying them. 

According to a warning published by Consumer Reports on June 30, several models of Graco’s Ready2Grow Classic Connect strollers were placed on the group’s “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk” list due to a possible roll-away hazard.

Although no reports of injuries have been confirmed by the group, they are urging parents not to use Graco’s Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX model and other similar models, such as Classic Connect, Click Connect LX, and Click Connect strollers.

Consumers Reports indicates that the Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX stroller manufactured by Graco failed their braking test. This specific stroller is a double seated stroller that allows one child to sit while the other stands, with a braking system design that includes plastic teeth that are supposed to lock the wheels.

Consumer Reports tested the Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX strollers braking system by loading the front seat with 35 pounds and 40 pounds in the back giving it a realistic weight distribution. The stroller’s brakes were then locked and set on a tilt-table. As the table was tilted the stroller began rolling at only an 18 degree incline. One other test resulted in the same result at just a 19 degree incline.

After reviewing the teeth after the tests Consumer Reports found several of the teeth bent and showing stress marks. In a separate test where the brakes were applied to fold the stroller down to ground level, the teeth showed early signs of stress marks without an incline present.

Consumer Reports presented their findings from the tests to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as Graco, who denied all safety risks associated with their products. Graco responded to the test results, indicating their products are tested to the 12 degree incline standard that the CPSC mandates for stroller brakes.

Consumer Reports indicates that more rigorous braking systems allow for an extra margin of safety, which the CPSC has agree upon, with the new mandatory federal safety standards going into effect by September 2015. The new standards the CPSC are requiring is for stroller brakes to be able to withstand 20 degree inclines, increasing the current standard by 8 degrees.

Consumer Reports recommends customers with Graco’s Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX, Classic Connect, Click Connect LX, and Click Connect strollers ask contact Graco at 1-800-345-4109 and ask for a refund or be extremely cautious of steep inclines and potential braking issues.

Photo Courtesy of Paul L. Dineen via Flickr CC