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Pushchairs recalled over finger amputations
10.11.09
Maclaren recalled about one million folding pushchairs in the United States following reports that 12 children suffered amputations after getting their fingertips caught in the hinges, authorities said.
All Maclaren single and double umbrella pushchairs, including the popular Volo and Techno models, were voluntarily recalled by the firm in the US.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said customers should stop using the pushchairs immediately.
In a joint statement with Maclaren USA, the CPSC said: "The stroller's hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller."
It said the firm had received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the pushchair's hinge mechanism, "resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States".
Maclaren USA offered users a free set of hinge covers to remedy the problem.
The firm's website said it produces "the world's most safe, durable, innovative and stylish baby buggies and strollers".
A Maclaren USA spokesman added: "Consistent with our unwavering commitment to child safety we are providing US consumers notice of a voluntary recall of all Maclaren umbrella strollers sold in the US.
"In cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, we are providing free of charge to all affected consumers and retailers a kit to cover the stroller's hinge mechanism, which poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.
"The voluntary recall is to alert the operator when opening or closing the stroller of the possible risk of injury.
"Safety is our first priority and through this voluntary effort we urge consumers to contact us immediately to obtain the kit which consists of hinge covers designed specifically to fit all Maclaren strollers."
The recalled models include the Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.
Reader views (1)
Why is Maclaren not providing the free safety kits in the UK as they are in in the US - for exactly the same strollers? Are US and UK childrens fingers different? Or is it that the US are more litigious and class action orientated so it is cheaper to placate the US and ignore the UK? Any single child who has been injured is a reason to immediately address the problem. Current owners now have potentially dangerous buggies - new buyers will have to ask searching questions as to which stroller is safest.
- Ben, London
