Car-Shaped Baby Walkers Recalled

W A S H I N G T O N, Aug 8 -- A Massachusetts company is recalling about170,000 car-shaped baby walkers because babies could damage theirteeth on the steering wheels and choke on small parts.

Safety 1st Inc., of Canton, Mass., has received eight reports ofbabies catching their teeth in parts of the three-spoke steeringwheels with six babies losing lower front teeth, the ConsumerProduct Safety Commission said today.

The company also received 44 reports of a button loosening orbreaking off from the walker’s attached toy telephone; one6-month-old girl gagged on a button.

The recalled Mobile “4 Wheelin” Walker, intended for babies 6months old until they begin to walk, has a green body and includesa three-spoke steering wheel with squeaking horn, clicking keys,two rearview mirrors and a ringing phone.

The recalled models are 45701, 45701A and 45701B. The modelnumbers are written underneath the walker tray, and writing underthe body includes “Made in the U.S.A.” and “Safety 1st, Inc.”

Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discountdepartment stores nationwide sold the walkers from April 1998through April 1999 for about $50.

The commission advises consumers to stop using thesewalkers immediately. To receive a free, replacement steering wheeland electronic telephone with installation instructions, consumerscan call Safety 1st at 1-800-964-8489 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDTMonday through Friday.