Product Hazards – Swings

According to the CPSC Nursery Report, in 2016 there were an estimated 2,800 emergency room treated injuries that were related to portable baby swings. Between 2012-2014 there were a total of five infant deaths that resulted from either a strangulation or a fall from a portable baby swing.

Strangulation

Strangulation can occur if:

• Child slips into leg openings
• Child becomes entangled in the harness straps

In 2012, Dream on Me recalled infant swing due to strangulation hazard. If not buckled in, a child could slip through the opening of the seat getting trapped between the seat and the bar, which posed a strangulation hazard. There were no incidents and injuries reported.

Falls

Falls can occur if:

• Handles break during use
• Infants push themselves up and over the back of the seat
• Straps become unfastened or separate from buckles
• Handles on seat unlock unexpectedly
• Latch on carrying handle unexpectedly releases and causes the seat to flip forward
• Screws loosen, causing the seat to fall
• Restraint shield appears to be locked when it is not

In 2017, Little Tikes recalled their toddler swings due to a fall hazard. There were 140 incidents reported of the plastic breaking. Including, 39 reported injuries.

Recall Reasons

A recall or a corrective action is issued for a swing for various reasons including:

• Entrapment hazard between frame and seat
• Ineffective restraint mechanisms
• Buckles on swings can break
• Shoulder restraint straps can pull out of the back of the seat, causing children to fall