Update on Maclaren strollers: Website issues, recall video from CPSC

November 10, 12:26 PMAtlanta Northside Family & Parenting ExaminerJackie Kass

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Recall update on Maclaren strollers
stroller-s.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a nationwide recall of more than one million strollers on Monday, but parents were frustrated over their inability to get in touch with Maclaren yesterday. Their website crashed on Monday after receiving unexpected and unprecedented traffic. “We didn’t anticipate getting the volume that we got today,” said the marketing manager for Maclaren USA. Parents expressed their extreme displeasure on a wide variety of parenting blogs, including Mother Load, Mom Café and Daddy Types.

The problem seems to be resolved today as the site is now up and running. The Maclaren recall involves one million strollers sold between 1999 through November of 2009 at Target, Toys R Us and other major retailers. Twelve children have had their fingertips amputated after they placed their fingers in the hinge where the stroller folds. “This is a very serious hazard,” said Scott Wilson, spokesman for CPSC. "We know child behavior, we know kids like to explore and sometimes put their fingers in places where they shouldn't be. But finger amputations that result from using a product that parents expect to be safe is unacceptable."

To remedy the situation, Maclaren is offering free hinge covers to better protect children. They can be ordered on the Maclaren USA website. Below is the recall message currently posted on the Maclaren USA website:

"IMPORTANT NOTICE
Consistent with our unwavering commitment to child safety we are providing U.S. consumers notice of a voluntary recall of all Maclaren umbrella strollers sold in the U.S. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we are providing free of charge to all affected consumers and retailers a kit to cover the stroller's hinge mechanism, which poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller. The affected models include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

Maclaren USA's Umbrella Strollers meet all U.S. ASTM & JPMA compliance standards. These certifications guarantee our umbrella strollers meet the maximum safety standards available. 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.
Maclaren stresses all operators read the instruction manual prior to use, which contains valuable safety tips and service recommendations."

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