WASHINGTON -- About 450,000 Evenflo infant car seat carriers have been recalled because the handle can release unexpectedly and cause an infant to fall, announced the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Evenflo has received 679 reports of such incidents, which have resulted in 160 injuries to children. The reports include a skull fracture and two concussions, according to federal officials.

The recalled seats were made before April 8, 2006, and they have model numbers beginning with 317, 320, 397, 398, 540, 548, 549, 550, 556, 597, 598 or 599.

The seats were sold at department stores and juvenile products stores nationwide from December 2004 through September 2006.

The recalled units can still be used as car seats when secured in a vehicle, but consumers should not use the handle until a repair kit has been installed. Consumers should contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit. The seats, however, should not be returned to the retailer.

For additional information, call Evenflo 800-490-7497 or visit the recall Web site at www.embracehandle.com.