Maclaren To Recall 1 Million Strollers

BETHESDA, Md. (WUSA) -- The simple movement of opening a stroller, has led to some ghastly injuries in children, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's the closing of the hinges that's causing the damage.

"The child can put their finger in the open hinge, and when the stroller is opened, it can lead to  finger amputations or lacerations," says Patty Davis, CPSC spokesperson.   She says 12 children have had their fingertips cut off by Maclaren Stroller hinges over the past ten years. 

Davis says, "This is a very serious.  A million of these have been sold.   They are not in stores.  They are in people's houses.   We're trying to reach out to people because you don't want this to happen to your child. "

The recall involves a million Maclaren strollers sold by over the past decade. It includes all nine models of single and double umbrella Maclaren strollers, which is a popular brand.


The strollers cost between $100 and $360.  Maclaren is not offering to replace them, but to supply a free fix. The fix is easy. Maclaren has made these hinge covers which zip into place around the hinges to prevent anyone from getting their fingers stuck.


The CPSC urges caregivers to stop using the strollers until they're fitted with the covers. A major stroller manufacturer is set to make a massive recall Tuesday over concerns that children can have their fingertips sliced in a hinge.

According to Maclaren: "We felt it was in the interest of customer safety to quickly develop a solution to this potential problem." The company adds in its press release that, "the solution was developed with cooperation from the Consumer Product Safety Commission."

CPSC PRESS RELEASE

Twelve children who allegedly had their fingertips chopped off after getting caught in the hinge sparked the recall, the newspaper reports.

"Stop using it immediately," CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton advises parents who own a Maclaren stroller. Ashton, however, said that the company plans to send parents a protective kit to place over the hinge.

Additionally, Maclaren states: "Until the kit arrives and you have fitted it, you should use extra care when folding and unfolding the strollers and be sure children's hands are well clear of all mechanisms."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which plans to announce the recall Tuesday, declined to comment.