The two strollers in question are the Britax B-Nimble for braking problems and Zooper Waltz for a strangulation hazard. There haven't been any recalls yet or even any injuries, but Consumer Reports is trying to prevent any from happening.
The user guide for the $200 Britax B-Nimble Umbrella Stroller says to set the parking brake you "step on the brake pedal on either side of the stroller until the wheels lock." But during Consumer Reports' tests of three different samples of B-Nimble strollers, when testers stepped on either pedal, the brake sometimes failed to engage.
When you step on the pedal you hear a click, thinking it's locked. The pedal remains depressed, but the wheels may not be locked.
Consumer Reports says that is a safety concern. "If you leave the stroller on a surface that's not level and the brakes aren't engaged, the stroller could roll into harm's way, which could lead to a serious injury," said Liam McCormack.
Consumer Reports' says its latest tests of the Zooper Waltz reveal a potential strangulation hazard. Like many traditional strollers, the Zooper Waltz comes with both a grab-bar and a tray that attach above a child's legs. That's where Consumer Reports found a safety problem.
"If a child isn't strapped into the stroller, their torso could slip through the gap between the grab bar and the seat. But their head could get hung up. And that could result in strangulation. That same problem would exist if the tray was in place," said Don Mays with Consumer Reports.
The stroller failed Consumer Report's test of a voluntary safety standard. This head probe represents the dimension between the chin and the back of the head of a 13-month-old. When placed in the stroller, the head probe should pass through underneath the bar under its own weight. But it doesn't, posing a strangulation risk.
If you already own this stroller, Consumer Reports recommends you discard the grab bar and tray and always strap your child in a stroller.
Both of the strollers makers say their products meet all voluntary safety standards and there have been no reports of any injuries. Consumer Reports has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is currently looking into the problems. In the meantime, Consumer Reports is advising people not to buy them and if you own one stop using it.
