The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·86008·Announced 1986-02-19

Hedstrom Li'l Steeler Strollers Recalled for Hinge Injury Risk

Hedstrom is recalling approximately 625,000 Li'l Steeler strollers because the side hinges can collapse, causing finger amputations and other serious injuries to children.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text reports 6 finger amputations and 8 other serious injuries, which meets the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (score 4) due to significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Hedstrom Company of Bedford, Pennsylvania, announced a voluntary repair program for approximately 625,000 Li'l Steeler strollers. These strollers were manufactured between 1975 and September 1982 and distributed nationwide. The recall addresses a hazard where the stroller can unexpectedly fold up, allowing a child to place a finger into the hinge area on either side of the frame.

The CPSC is aware of at least 14 incidents where the strollers collapsed while in use. These incidents resulted in at least 6 finger amputations and 8 other serious injuries to children. The affected strollers can be identified by specific model numbers listed on the identification label attached to the frame or by the "Hedstrom" name sewn into the safety strap if the label is missing.

Because the Hedstrom Company is out of business, the repair program is no longer available. The CPSC advises parents to stop using the product immediately and to discard or destroy the strollers to prevent further injuries. Parents are also reminded never to fold or unfold this type of stroller with a child seated in or touching the frame.

The recalled product

Product
Hedstrom Li'l Steeler Stroller childrens' strollers
Manufacturer
Hedstrom

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.