Maclaren pushchair safety alert Q&A
- Your questions about Maclaren pushchair safety answered.
- How the US Maclaren buggy recall affects UK Maclaren pushchair owners.
- Essential advice for keeping you child safe when using a pushchair.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2012
In 2009 Maclaren recalled a million pushchairs in the US after reports that children had their fingers amputated by the pushchair folding mechanism.
There was no recall in the UK, but Maclaren made hinge covers available to parents upon request.
If you own a Maclaren without hinge covers you can still order a set via the Maclaren website or by phoning Maclaren customer services on 01327 841320.
You can find out more about the product recall, and read the advice we issued at the time, below.
How to fold pushchairs safely
Extra care should be taken when collapsing any pushchair with an umbrella folding mechanism.
All pushchair manufacturers recommend that pushchair owners keep children clear of the buggy while it is being unfolded or folded.
For tips on safely folding a Maclaren pushchair, check out the video below:
What has happened in the US?
Maclaren has recalled a million pushchairs in the US after reports that 12 children have had their fingers amputated by Maclaren's pushchair folding mechanism.
The affected Maclaren pushchairs are also available in the UK and use the same folding mechanism.
How have children been injured by Maclaren pushchairs?
The models affected use an 'umbrella' folding mechanism. This involves the parent pushing up a catch at the back of the buggy to collapse it. On collapse, the pushchair remains the same length but its width reduces - like folding an umbrella.
The amputations happened when Maclaren pushchairs were being folded or opened by an adult - they did not occur when the child was sitting in the pushchair.
The Maclaren Volo pushchair is affected by the US product recall
Which Maclaren pushchairs have been recalled in the US?
The Maclaren pushchair models recalled in the US are:
Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.
These Maclaren pushchair models will be fitted with an extra safety device designed to stop the pushchair folding mechanism trapping a child's fingers.
American consumers will receive a free kit consisting of a zipped fabric cover for the hinge to help prevent injury.
Does the pushchair recall affect owners of Maclaren pushchairs in the UK?
Following calls from Which?, Maclaren has agreed to offer UK owners of affected Maclaren buggies the same safety kit as US consumers are going to receive.
If you own one of the affected pushchairs you can get free hinge covers to help make your pushchair safer by contacting Maclaren using the contact details at the top of this page.
Why was there no recall in the UK?
As Maclaren's pushchairs conform to EU safety regulations and there has been only one reported injury involving a Maclaren pushchair in the UK, Maclaren is not legally obliged to issue a product recall.
A 'product recall' in the US is not the same as in the UK. A US product recall alerts people to a potential safety risk but it does not mean that products should be returned to their manufacturer.
The Maclaren Quest Mod pushchair
Initially Maclaren did not take any action to provide UK consumers will the same hinge covers that they were issuing to US consumers. But following calls from Which?, it has now changed its mind.
Maclaren says that it has also placed additional warning labels on all affected buggies and instruction manuals, stressing that carers should keep children clear of the buggy while it is being unfolded or folded.
How well do Maclaren pushchairs perform in Which? tests?
Maclaren is known for its lightweight and portable buggies. Which? has reviewed many of its pushchairs - including the Maclaren Volo and the Maclaren Techno XT.
Maclaren says its products are built to meet British and US safety standards. In our tests we found they conform to relevant European safety standards (EN1888).
Find out more about the brand in our guide to Maclaren pushchairs.
More for your baby...
- Check out our guide to the best buggy brands
- Find the right pushchair for your with our pushchair reviews
- Read all our advice on keeping your baby safe
