Graco Stroller Named ‘Don’t Buy: Safety Risk’ By Consumer Reports

Just on the heels of a massive car seat recall, one report is now labeling one of Graco’s popular double strollers a “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk."

According to findings from ConsumerReports.org, the Graco Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX stroller, a convertible product which can hold two children of different ages and sizes in several configurations, poses a potential safety risk for children due to its faulty brake system.

“We put strollers through rigorous tests to make sure they’re easy to use, maneuverable and most importantly safe. During our standard strolling test, we found the Graco Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX could pose a safety risk leaving us to rate this stroller a don’t buy,” explained the report. (See the demonstration video here.)

According to John Galeotafiore, the head of Consumer Report’s stroller testing, the children's product was found to release its brakes when inclined at 19 degrees (and sometimes 18 degrees) when using 35 to 40 pound weights. “We’ve tested more than 160 strollers, single and double… and this is the only one where the brake gave way,” he said.

The stroller, which uses plastic teeth to lock the product’s wheel in place when the brake is activated, was also found to go through significant wear and tear after testing.

No injuries related to the product have been reported.

Graco insists that Consumer’s Report’s testing “fails to replicate real world conditions” due to the tests steep angle and that the product meets voluntary safety standards.

“Our test is rigorous but it’s designed to assess whether strollers have an extra margin of safety,” added Galeotafiore.

Along with Graco’s Ready2Grow Classic Connect LX, Consumers Reports suggests that customers in possession of Graco’s Classic Connect, Click Connect LX, Click Connect, ask retailers for a refund. The organization recommends purchasing one of Graco’s top-rated models, the FastAction Fold Duo Click Connect, in its place.

Graco customer service line can be reached by calling: 1-800-345-4109.