Infant Car Seats/Carriers Recalled by Cosco

Infant Car Seats/Carriers Recalled by Cosco NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 1999 Release # 99-138 Company Phone Number: (800) 221-6736 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 NHTSA Contact: Tim Hurd, (202) 366-9550 CPSC, NHTSA and Cosco Announce Recall of Infant Car Seats/Carriers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Cosco Inc. of Columbus, Ind., is announcing the recall of about 670,000 Arriva and Turnabout infant car seats/carriers. When used as an infant carrier, the handle locks on each side of the seat can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip forward. When this happens, the infant can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries. "This is a serious problem that puts infants at risk," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "The handle locks on these car seat carriers can release without warning. Even if you regularly buckle your child into the seat, parents who have this car seat should call for a free repair kit immediately." There have been 151 reports of the handle of the car seat/carrier unexpectedly releasing, resulting in 29 injuries to children. These reports include skull fractures, a broken arm, bumps to the head, black eyes, scrapes and bruises. According to the reports, some injuries occurred to children who were restrained in the seat. "Parents should continue using these rear-facing infant car seats, but should not use the carrying handle until a repair kit has been installed," said NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D. "Safety is our highest priority. A child safety seat that is installed and used correctly is the most effective safety device available for young children in automobiles." The recall involves Arriva and Turnabout infant car seat/carrier models man