Graco Children's Products' recent recall of car seats for children has led federal officials to question why the equipment and toy company won't include infant seats in its expansive product withdrawal.
The company, a division of Atlanta-based corporation Newell Rubbermaid, performed a voluntary recall of nearly 3.7 million children's car seats last month, after federal regulation tests revealed that the red release button on the harness could stick, creating apotentially dangerous situation if the kid must be removed from the seat quickly.
But Graco did not take its 1.77 million infant seatsoff store shelves, even though the government said customers encountered the same problem with the product.
On Graco's website, company officials wrote that the rear-facing infant seats were not included in the recall because there is an alternative method to release the buckle on the harness.
"They are uniquely designed to detach from their base for quick release if needed," the company wrote online.
But that explanation wasn't sufficient for officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who asked for further information from the company.
According to CNN, the NHTSA requested an explanation for the "reasoning and rationale" behind recalling all but the infant seats.
Graco reps announced on Friday that the company would work with the NHTSA and send the necessary information.
"Our car seats comply with all NHTSA's stringent performance standards and have withstood rigorous testing that far exceeds federal requirements," a statement from Graco read. "Despite this, for any concerned parent or guardian, we will continue to offer a replacement harness buckle at no cost."
The toddler convertible car seats that were recalled included the Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65 and 70, Size4Me 70, My Size 70, Head Wise 70 with Safety Surround, Ready Ride, Nautilus Elite, Smart Seat, Nautilus Plus, Argos 70 and Argos 70 Elite.
Parents are encouraged to check out more information here.
