Graco Children's Products Inc. is facing a proposed California class action lawsuit over allegations that one of its baby swings can unexpectedly jump to hazardous speeds on its own.
The lawsuit focuses on the allegation that the company was continuing to market the product as safe and functional despite years of complaints.
Here's what to know
Even at its slowest setting, plaintiff Stephanie Haney alleges, Graco's Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing can suddenly accelerate to hazardous speeds, according to Top Class Actions.
Haney contends that once that alleged malfunction occurs, the swing's speed controls stop functioning as intended. As the lawsuit states, "Once this high-speed mode activates, many consumers report that it cannot be lowered or stopped through normal operation, and the problem persists even after battery replacement," per Top Class Actions.
In the filing, Haney said the alleged defect "poses a direct and serious risk of physical harm or death to infants placed inside the swing" and seeks to represent both a proposed nationwide class and a California class of buyers, according to Top Class Actions.
More background
Haney also claims that Graco had been aware of the alleged problem "for years," citing buyer complaints, submissions to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and news coverage, per Top Class Actions.
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Despite that, the complaint alleges, Graco did not recall the swing, revise its product listing, or warn consumers, while continuing to market it without disclosing the alleged defect — conduct Haney says was false or misleading.
Haney is now seeking a jury trial, injunctive relief that could require changes to Graco's conduct, and compensatory and punitive damages for herself and the proposed class members.
Where can I learn more?
The Graco allegations involve a product parents rely on to soothe and protect infants. These articles look at other everyday hazards, from home conditions to common materials, that can also put children at risk before any official action is taken.
• Pediatricians are warning that power outages can sharply raise carbon monoxide poisoning risks for children.
• Researchers have linked increasingly common microplastic exposure to mounting health risks for infants.
• Parents are being urged to avoid rubber mulch in playgrounds over child health concerns.
These stories illustrate that parents often have to give safety claims a closer look.
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