Graco Voluntary Recall of Select Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers

Graco announced today that is conducting a voluntary recall for select Passage™, Alano™, and Spree™ model strollers. These strollers have specific hinge designs and were manufactured by Graco prior to March 2008.

From Graco, "We have worked closely with the CPSC on this announcement, and have decided to inform consumers of a potential risk of injury to small children caused by the canopy hinge on these models. For those with affected strollers, we will provide a protective hinge cover free of charge."


If you (or someone else) would like to check to see if you have an affected model, you can do so with this online form.

If you'd like to know more, Graco is providing additional information, video demonstrations and instructions specific to this issue on the following sites:


· http://www.blog.gracobaby.com/

· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDxMSu5QixU

· www.twitter.com/gracobaby

· www.facebook.com/graco

· Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.gracobaby.com/CustomerService/Pages/apsfaq.aspx

For additional questions, customers can also call Graco's consumer service line at 800-345-4109.

Graco's sweetpeace swing

When I first laid on eyes on Graco's sweetpeace Newborn Soothing swing ($189.99) I wasn't even thinking about babies. I was simply looking at a new product on the market. When I found out I was pregnant a few months later Graco sent me one to sample. Months have gone by, the swing has gotten a lot of good use and started quite a few conversations too. Now it is time for the sweetpeace to retire, my baby is just too big and mobile to use it anymore. I admit I am a bit sad to see it go. It has been one of the best baby products I have had the pleasure of using.

In our house the sweetpeace became a conversation starter before the baby even arrived. It was all set up and ready to go a few weeks prior to her birth and everyone who came into our house gravitated towards this swing. They poked and prodded it, walked around it and often I wanted to ask, "Do you want to kick the tires?"

Honestly, the sweetpeace is the mother of all baby swings. It has womb and heart thumping sounds, a variety of lullabies and jigs, as well as an MP3 player jack. There are multiple swing speeds (side to side swing action only) and the seat has two vibrating speeds. Included is a detachable bar that has an adjustable mirror and teething ring for the baby to play with as well as a bear that can hang down or detach for playtime too. There is also an adjustable canopy which defuses light and mimics the light of the womb towards the end of a woman's pregnancy. My baby found this incredibly soothing. Her older sister slowly drove us all mad with her constant desire to turn on the sweetpeace lullabies at full volume and dance around the room though.

The sweetpeace has six speeds and cradles a newborn with it's three different seat positions. I loved that the seat was also detachable and I could strap her into it and place her on the floor in another room if I needed too. You can also place many types of car seats into the base if you need too. The removable headrest and swaddle blanket were godsends when we first began using it. She was tucked into the swing so nice and snug she felt like she was safe and sound.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful the Graco sweetpeace truly is as a swing and comforting tool for newborns on up. It even provides entertainment for toddlers and in a pinch you can plug in your ipod and use it for your own mood or party music!

The sweetpeace is available online or in stores at Amazon, Walmart and Target.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Friday Fun Find- Graco's sweetpeace

Recently, I had the opportunity to check out a brand spankin' new product from Graco while at the DC Metro Moms launch party. Truthfully when I heard that we would get to view a new 'newborn soothing center' I thought, 'yawn...that's what they all claim.' The sweetpeace is akin to something out of Sharper Image for babies too. Then I began to check this newest soother out and I sort of melted.


The sweetpeace has a lot to offer in the ways of soothing- that is a gurantee. There are soothings sounds, six different speeds, four seat positions (this part is incredible!), and my favorite- the built-in swaddling blanket. It's all washable too. I think what is the most soothing about this center is the sheer fact that it looks soothing. It reminded me of quiet comfort, a little nestled nook for baby. It's also incredibly easy to use. I was amazed at how quickly you could pick up the seat and change it to a different position. Infant car seats can also fit into the center eliminating that awkward 'oh no we're going to wake the baby' moment when you arrive home.

If you are pregnant, registering, or looking for a practical and magical gift for a new baby and new parents then definitely check out Graco's sweetpeace. It is a little piece of heaven.