“Our top priority at UPPAbaby is the safety of children,” the company said in a statement. “We conduct extensive testing to ensure UPPAbaby products meet all global industry and regulatory standards. Despite passing all tests and meeting all standards, UPPAbaby received one report about the all-terrain RIDGE stroller.”
14,000 UPPAbaby Strollers Recalled
UPPAbaby cites an opening in the stroller’s rear disc brakes which can be potentially hazardous if a child who is not in the stroller gets their fingertip caught while the stroller is in use. “Based on one consumer report to us, we believe the injury is likely due to consumer misuse,” UPPAbaby said. The recall includes all UPPAbaby all-terrain RIDGE jogging strollers. These strollers have an extendable canopy with a mesh window and zipper pocket, a disc hand brake system, and an adjustable handlebar with a wrist strap. You can identify the stroller by checking for the brand name—UPPAbaby—on the front with the word RIDGE on the side of the stroller frame. All of the strollers will have a black frame with some variation of fabric color, either white, charcoal, or slate blue, and will have black tires.
Where Can I Find the UPPAbaby Model Number?
All of the affected products will have serial numbers that begin with “1401RDGUS” which can be found on the right side of the stroller frame above the rear wheel. The model number “1401-RDG-US” can be found on the left side of the stroller frame above the rear wheel.
What Should I Do If I Have An UPPAbaby Stroller?
If you have the UPPAbaby RIDGE jogging stroller, the company will replace the disc brakes on both wheels for free. Affected customers can visit UPPAbaby’s website and click on “Submit Info” at the bottom of the page. The company can also be reached by calling 844-823-3132 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Is My Stroller Safe?
Anytime there is a major recall, you may be wondering if your own stroller is safe. But as Alisa Baer, MD, a pediatrician and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady puts it—recalls aren’t necessarily a bad thing. “Obviously we would like to think that every product ever developed is perfect and no harm will ever come either through proper use or misuse of any product, but clearly that’s not possible,” Baer said. “I don’t think a family should be wary of a manufacturer having products that have been recalled.” Baer, who is also a member of the Verywell Family Review Board, explained that recalls mean manufacturers are doing what they are supposed to be doing. They fix issues in products that have presented a danger. She added baby gear, including strollers, have to meet rigorous safety standards before being sold. Many recalls have only added to the safety measures companies must reach. Strollers are typically checked for a range of potential problems like making sure they don’t fold while in use, hinges won’t hurt fingers, buckles are secured and head entrapments don’t cause a strangulation risk, Baer explained. For extra assurance, some companies volunteer their products to go through additional compliance testing through the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The organization checks the products for safety as well as functionality, performance, and quality. Those items will then be given a JPMA Certification Seal. Parents can look for that seal and know the product not only meets the government’s minimum requirements but additional requirements the JPMA sets as well. “There are still things that might come up in the real world as [this recall] highlights, but I think the JPMA certification is a good thing,” Baer said. There are certain features of a stroller you can check yourself to make sure it’s the safest possible for your little one. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests looking for strollers that have a wide base so it’s not easy to tip over, a five-point harness that goes over the child’s shoulders, and easy-to-operate brakes. The AAP also has recommendations for things caregivers should do (and not do) with a stroller to further ensure safety. These include:
Fasten string toys securely across the front of the stroller if usingDon’t hang bags or other items from the handlesKeep a safe distance from children when opening and folding the strollerNever leave a child unattended while they are in one.
Above all, Baer says it’s important for adults to remember that strollers, and all baby gear, are not toys and should not be used outside of their intended purpose. “This [recall] highlights that while yes, it might be very fun for your child to play with the wheels of the stroller, there are dangers that can come,” Baer explained. “It’s a device used for a specific purpose. When not in use, [the stroller] should be kept in an area inaccessible to the child, stored with the wheels locked and the stroller folded. That reduces the chances of the child wanting to play with it and becoming injured in the process.”
