Mobile "4 Wheelin" Walkers Recalled

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safety 1st Inc., of Canton, Mass., is voluntarily recalling to repair about 170,000 Mobile "4 Wheelin" Walkers, which are shaped like cars. Babies can lose their lower teeth when the teeth are caught in parts of the three-spoke steering wheels. Also, on some of these walkers, the telephone could break apart, releasing small parts and posing a choking hazard.

Safety 1st has received eight reports of babies catching their teeth in parts of the three-spoke steering wheels. Six babies lost lower front teeth. There also are 44 reports of the telephone button loosening. One 6-month-old baby girl gagged on a telephone button from a phone that came apart.

The Mobile "4 Wheelin" Walker is intended for babies 6 months old until the age they begin to walk. The walker has a green body, and includes a three-spoke steering wheel with squeaking horn, clicking keys, two rearview mirrors and a phone with electronic ring. Model number 45701, 45701A or 45701B is written underneath the walker tray. Only walkers with these model numbers are part of the recall. Other writing under the body includes, "Made in the U.S.A.,(1997," and "Safety 1st, Inc." Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount department stores nationwide sold the walkers from April 1998 through April 1999 for about $50.

Consumers should stop using these walkers immediately, and contact Safety 1st to receive a free, replacement steering wheel and electronic telephone with installation instructions. To order repair kits, call Safety 1st at (800) 964-8489 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Consumer Relations Dept., Safety 1st Inc., 45 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021.

This recall does not include walkers with model number 45701C, 45701D, 45704 or 45705. These models have different steering wheel and phone designs.