UK position on US Maclaren Pushchair hinge amputation risk recall

Popular Pushchair Manufacturer - Maclaren Pushchairs USA has today announced the recall of 1,000,000 of it's popular Umbrella Strollers in the US after 12 reports of children amputating fingertips in the hinge of the Umbrella Fold.

These injuries are reported to have happened when the child had put their finger in the pushchairs hinge while the stroller was being unfolded.

The recall covers all Maclaren single and double umbrella pushchairs across the US but at this time does not cover any of the pushchairs in the UK and Europe.

A repair kit has been issued for the hinge and US consumers have been urged to stop using the pushchairs until they gt this freekit fitted. Again this kit is limited to the US at this stage.

There are a number of forums discussing and advising on this in the UK, however at this stage there is nothing official on the Maclaren Pushchairs UK website.

Forums and news sites.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8351424.stm

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pushchair_chat/857840-Massive-Maclaren-Recall

http://daddytypes.com/2009/11/08/one_million_strollers_maclaren_will_recall_every_stroller_since_1999_after_12th_hinge-related_amputation.php

On November 9, 2009, Maclaren USA announced that in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, they would be implementing voluntary corrective measures by providing consumers and retailers with a kit to cover the elbow joint on Maclaren umbrella buggy’s side hinge mechanism which should be kept out of the reach of children when the operator is opening or closing the umbrella buggy.

All Maclaren buggies meet – and often exceed - both EU and USA safety standards for products in our category and there have been no product defects or non-compliances. Following careful consideration of the issue and discussion with UK Trading Standards, these measures will not apply to Maclaren umbrella buggies in the UK or the rest of Europe.

Please see the questions and answers below for further information.

I have heard that Maclaren buggies are being recalled in the USA. Why is this? Maclaren has noticed a small increase in the number of incidents in the USA where children have trapped their finger in hinge joint of the buggy whilst their carer is folding or unfolding it so, as a precautionary measure, they have initiated a voluntary programme, which involves distributing a set of covers for the elbow joints of the buggies to consumers. Maclaren buggies are not actually being returned to stores for refund or repair. In the USA, the term ‘recall’ is used for a variety of corrective or precautionary actions and Maclaren USA and in this case it refers to the distribution of covers for the elbow joint. The elbow joint hinge mechanism of an umbrella design buggy poses a risk to the child if they inadvertently come into contact with the buggy when it is being unfolded/opened by the carer. When the buggy is fully opened and erect there is no risk of finger entrapment.

Is there a similar programme planned for the UK?

No, in consultation with UK Trading Standards, our analysis suggested that the number of incidents in the UK and Europe did not warrant similar action, especially as there is no product defect or non-compliance with industry standards involved. As a precaution, Maclaren is placing additional warning labels on the buggy and in the instruction manual, stressing that carers should keep children away from the buggy while it is being unfolded or folded.

If covers are being distributed in the US, shouldn’t they be in the UK?

Incidents of this nature in the UK are extremely rare. We have a rigorous safety and quality process and after consultation with Trading Standards it was agreed that the introduction of the covers within Europe was not necessary. If customers keep children away from the buggy while it is being folded or unfolded, there is no risk.. Similarly, when the buggy is fully opened and erect there is no risk involved.

What are the basic precautions?

The main instructions are to: · Keep children clear of the stroller during opening and folding. · Always use the safety harness. · Always apply the brakes when stationary. · Never leave your child unattended – even with the harness fastened. · Don’t overload the buggy. Heavy items hanging from the handles can cause it to topple over. · Don’t let children play or climb on a stroller and don’t carry a second child on a stroller designed for one child. · Negotiate curbs carefully. Wherever possible always carry a stroller down flights of stairs.

Are Maclaren Buggies safe?

Yes, Maclaren buggies meet – and often exceed - all of the stringent EU compliance standards for products in our category and there have been no product defects or non-compliances. Buggies are mechanical products that, like many other products, invariably have scissor or pinch points that cannot be eliminated, hence the need to be careful operating the product around children. Maclaren’s famous umbrella buggies have served as the benchmark for quality for this category and have maintained outstanding records for safety and durability for over 40 years. The classic Owen Maclaren multifold buggy design has been adopted by many brands around the world and tens of millions of buggies sold have a similar design.

Do I need to do anything to my buggy?

No. We would only stress that you keep children away from the buggy whilst unfolding or folding it.

You should also keep the buggy clean and check that it is good working order before you use it. If you have any problems, contact Maclaren Customer Services on 01327 841 320or contact one of our service centres (listed on our website).