Drea Knufken
British stroller manufacturer Maclaren has announced a recall of 1 million umbrella strollers. The hinges on the sides of the strollers can trap children’s fingers when parents are opening or closing the umbrella. The New York Daily News reports:
All Maclaren strollers sold since 1999 are included in the recall, according to a source briefed on the recall.
The step comes after 12 kids allegedly had their fingertips amputated by Maclaren strollers.
Maclaren – maker of the pricey British strollers ubiquitous at playgrounds and on sidewalks across the city – is planning to send owners protective covers for the dangerous hinges.
“Parents should stop using these strollers right away,” the source said.
Maclaren’s statement on the recall:
“Consistent with our unwavering commitment to child safety we are providing U.S. consumers notice of a voluntary recall of all Maclaren umbrella strollers sold in the U.S. In cooperation with the U.S. 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 affected models include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.
Maclaren USA’s Umbrella Strollers meet all U.S. ASTM & JPMA compliance standards. These certifications guarantee our umbrella strollers meet the maximum safety standards available. 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.”
Twelve children with amputated fingertips? Sounds like it’s high time to fix that stroller.
