Qbit Stroller Recall Due to Risk of Sudden Closing, and Laceration Risk from Hinge Mechanism

Nearly 30,000 Qbit infant and child strollers have been recalled, following dozens of reports involving problems where the strollers unexpectedly collapsed and the hinge mechanism caused lacerations, resulting in nearly 20 injury reports. 

The Qbit stroller recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 20, following at least 71 reports of strollers problems involving sudden folding inward and another five reports of the hinge mechanism pinching caregiver and children’s hands, resulting in four lacerations, 12 contusions, and two broken bones.

The CPSC indicates that the stroller’s design leads to fall and pinch hazards. The pinch hazard, responsible for the laceration injuries, is due to a gap within the hinge between the stroller seat and frame. The strollers also may unexpectedly fold and collapse due to an unlocking hinge. To date, of the 71 reports of the strollers collapsing, 12 children and adults have experienced minor bumps or bruises and one caregiver’s fall resulted in a fractured wrist and elbow.

The recall includes an estimated 29,400 gb Qbit lightweight strollers designed for children up to 50 pounds with model numbers 10AW1G-AQU2U, 10AW1G-RAS2U, 10AW1G-WHT2U, 10AW1G-CHA4U or 10AW1G-CIR5U. The gb Qbit models were manufactured for use as standard strollers and for travel systems with infant carriers. The strollers are equipped with four sets of two wheels, a five-point harnessed restraint system, a full-sized reclining seat, a storage basket, a removable cup holder, and a travel storage bag.

The strollers are primarily black with accent colors including aqua, raspberry, white, charcoal or citrus lemon, and have the “gb” red box logo printed on the harness and on both sides of the stroller legs along with the brand name “Qbit” printed in white on the stroller legs. Customers may locate the model number and manufacturing date printed on a sticker, located on the rear leg of the stroller directly above the wheels.

The strollers were manufactured in China under Aria Child Inc. of Dedham, Massachusetts from March 25, 2015 through March 9, 2016. They were sold at Babies R US and other retail stores nationwide and online at Albeebaby.com, Amazon.com, Dmartstores.com, Medbroad.com and various other online retailers from May 2015 to November 2016 for about $180.

Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled strollers immediately and contact Aria Child toll-free at 888-591-5540 or visit them online at www.ariachild.com and navigate to the “Qbit Lightweight Stroller Recall Information” tab for information on how to receive a free replacement stroller.