Maclaren buggy recall: why not here?
Updated on 10 November 2009
Nearly one million Maclaren pushchairs are being "recalled" in the US because they have led to children having fingertips amputated. So why are they deemed safe in the UK?
The company has confirmed 15 children have had accidents involving the hinge mechanism on their single and double umbrella pushchairs.
Of those 15 accidents, 12 have led to children having fingertips amputated and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has told parents they should stop using the Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller models.
Maclaren says the accidents happen when children put their fingers in the hinge while the pushchair is being unfolded, and the company has offered every user in the United States a cloth cover to put over the hinges on the models affected.
In America, the term "recall" does not mean a product is recommended to be returned. Maclaren says "it means corrective action or the modification of products which can be carried out in the home", so it insists there is no need for pushchairs sold in Britain to be returned.
The company also points out there have been fewer incidents involving children's fingers in Europe.
A Maclaren USA spokesman said: "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."
In Europe, new Maclaren pushchairs will now come with improved safety advice rather than cloth covers for hinges.
A statement from Maclaren's British offices said: "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.
"There are a lower number of similar reported incidents amongst the considerably higher number of Maclaren buggies sold in Europe annually relative to the US market."
Watch a Maclaren video explaining how to safely open and close a buggy
