Maclaren announces huge stroller recall

Maclaren umbrella strollers pose risk of injuries to children's fingers.

Tue, Nov 10 2009 at 7:00 AM EST

The first stroller I ever had for my daughter was a Maclaren jogging stroller. I hated it, and within a few months I traded it in at the thrift store for a different model that I liked better. I guess my instincts must have been right, because the stroller company announced yesterday that they are recalling at least 1 million umbrella strollers because of a potential hazard to children's fingers.

It turns out that a side hinge mechanism on Maclaren strollers poses the risk of cutting or amputating a child's fingers when the stroller is being opened or closed, according to the company. The voluntary recall applies to all Maclaren strollers sold in the U.S. since they were introduced in 1999.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Maclaren have received reports of 15 incidents in which children were hurt over the past 10 years. I think it's a little crazy that it has taken them 10 years to address the issue.

According to Maclaren, the affected models include the Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller (that's the one I had.)

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and call Maclaren toll-free at (877) 688-2326, the company said.

Photo: xeney