December 10, 2025 – A Graco Modes Nest2Grow DLX Travel System stroller has been linked to a recurring abrasion and bruise on a one-year-old child’s lower back, stemming from an exposed screw inside the seat back area. The incident, reported on November 21, 2025, highlights a potential design or assembly flaw that could pose a safety risk to other young users.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident involved a Graco Modes Nest2Grow DLX Travel System stroller, purchased on November 23, 2023. According to the report, a one-year-old child developed a small, round injury on his lower back that consistently aligned with a screw located inside the seat back area of the stroller. This injury, initially noticed when the stroller began being used in the seated position, progressively worsened with each use. The parents observed that when they stopped using the stroller, the affected area on the child’s back would gradually heal. However, a bruise has remained visible, and a small scar has since formed.
A pediatrician examined the child and documented a “superficial healing abrasion over lower, mid-back with small underlying bruise,” specifically noting the correlation between the recurrent abrasion and bruising and the stroller’s use. The parents confirmed that no other products used by the child feature any protruding hardware that could cause such an injury. The report suggests this issue points to a possible design or assembly defect involving the exposed screw within the seat back, asserting that the injury occurred during normal and appropriate use of the stroller. The reporting party has offered to provide the stroller for inspection.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises several significant safety concerns, particularly for infants and toddlers using the Graco Modes Nest2Grow DLX Travel System:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of skin abrasion, cuts, and bruising caused by contact with the exposed screw. Depending on the child’s movement and the duration of contact, these injuries can range from mild skin irritation to deeper wounds.
- Long-Term Risks: Recurrent abrasions can lead to chronic skin irritation, potential for infection if the skin barrier is repeatedly compromised, and the formation of permanent scarring, as reported in this incident. Constant pressure or rubbing on a specific point can also contribute to discomfort and distress for the child.
- Who Might Be Affected: Infants and toddlers who are old enough to sit upright in the stroller are most susceptible. Their delicate skin and inability to communicate discomfort effectively make them particularly vulnerable. Children who squirm, shift positions frequently, or spend extended periods in the stroller may experience more severe or frequent contact with the exposed hardware.
- Design/Assembly Flaw: The consistent alignment of the injury with the screw strongly suggests a potential design or manufacturing flaw where internal hardware is not adequately recessed or covered, allowing it to protrude and make contact with the child. This indicates a systemic issue rather than an isolated defect.
- Pain and Discomfort: Beyond visible injury, constant rubbing against a hard, protruding object can cause significant pain and discomfort for a child, potentially affecting their mood and well-being during stroller use.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Graco Modes Nest2Grow DLX Travel System, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Immediately Inspect Your Stroller: Carefully examine the seat back area where your child’s back would rest. Feel for any protruding hardware, especially screws, beneath or within the fabric. Pay close attention to the lower back area.
- Discontinue Use if Affected: If you find any exposed or protruding screws or detect any other potential hazards, immediately stop using the stroller in the seated position until the issue can be resolved or clarified by the manufacturer.
- Monitor Your Child: Observe your child for any signs of irritation, redness, abrasions, or bruising on their back after using the stroller. If you notice any such injuries, consult with a pediatrician.
- Report Incidents: If you or your child have experienced a similar incident or discover a potential defect, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.saferproducts.gov.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (Graco) directly to report the issue and inquire about potential solutions, repairs, or recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the manufacturer of the Graco Modes Nest2Grow DLX Travel System, has indicated a response to this incident report. Consumers are encouraged to contact the manufacturer for further information regarding this specific issue.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.