Email Print   Text Size
RECALL ALERT: Gov. Looks at Other Strollers After Maclaren Recall

Posted:

Updated:

The million-stroller recall by British manufacturer Maclaren following reports of finger amputation has prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to take another look at all "umbrella" strollers that use similar hinges.

Maclaren's recall, announced Monday, includes every umbrella stroller the company has sold over the past decade. The company says its strollers meet all federal safety standards and it's because of a commitment to safety that it took this step to get the word out.

"This is an industrywide problem. And we've taken the leadership on this because we designed this 40 years ago ... We had a number of cases of people having their fingers caught in the elbow hinge, and they brought it to our attention," Bahman Kia, Maclaren's CEO, told "Good Morning America."

On its Web site, Maclaren is offering free hinge covers and has posted a safety video on YouTube. But according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, additional steps may need to be taken outside the company's action.

Maclaren invented the umbrella stroller 40 years ago and other strollermakers use similar hinge mechanisms.

Maclaren said the safety of umbrella stroller hinges is an issue common to all folding strollers. And the Consumer Product Safety Commission acknowledged that there have been incident reports about other stroller brands, but with lesser injuries involved. The CPSC will look into whether further standards or recalls are needed for stroller hinges.

Maclaren's Safety Advice

In its safety video, Maclaren urges parents to make sure their children are not too close when folding their umbrella strollers. In a rather challenging demonstration, the video shows how the stroller controls are meant to be operated with the feet only.

"The stroller, like other devices designed to open and close, contains certain pinch points," the video says. "Never use your hands to engage these mechanisms."

The hinge mechanism is located on the side of the strollers, and of the 15 incidents reported, all occurred when parents were opening or closing the folding strollers. In 12 of those cases, children's fingertips were actually cut off by the force of the stroller hinge opening or closing.

The recall includes all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers, and the word "Maclaren" is printed on the stroller. The models involved include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveler.

Parents should stop using their Maclaren strollers immediately until they can get a repair kit, the company said.

Maclaren Web Site: http://www.maclaren.us/recall/

You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register
Comments
Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register
See all comments
Close windowBranding

RECALL ALERT: Gov. Looks at Other Strollers After Macl...

Close window
Photos
Find the latest slideshows from breaking news stories.
Video
Watch the latest full screen video right on your computer desktop in our video center.
More Local Sports
Sign-up and stay connected to all the happenings of local school sports in your neighborhood. Post videos, photos, and messages.
KRDO.com ToolBar Download
Get the freshest news content delivered directly to your browser, no matter where you are on the web. Click Here to Download Now
Links Mentioned on NEWSCHANNEL 13
The following is a list of web site links mentioned on NEWSCHANNEL 13.
Gas Price Tracker
The cheapest prices listed in your neighborhood.
Entertainment Tonight
Get the latest entertainment news and video updates from Entertainment Tonight!
 

CO Lifestyles


 
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2010 WorldNow and KRDO. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.