Yesterday the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of approximately one million Maclaren strollers that were sold between 1999 until the time of the recall. According to TIME magazine, this brand of strollers is popular among the young-urban-professional demographic. The recalled Maclaren strollers are light and upscale, ranging from $100 to $360.
Several different models of Maclaren strollers were recalled The CPSC warns consumers to stop using any single or double umbrella strollers with the word “Maclaren” written on them. At least 12 children have had their fingers amputated after placing them in the hinge where the stroller folds.
“This is a very serious hazard. 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,” said Scott Wilson, spokesperson for the CPSC.
Maclaren is offering free hinge covers to protect children’s fingers. You can order the hinge covers from the Maclaren USA website at maclaren.us/recal – but be warned that the site has been slow and overloaded lately because it has been getting so much web traffic.
Charlotte Addison of Maclaren said, “We are working to address the issue. We didn’t anticipate getting the volume that we got today.
You may also call 1-877-688-2326. Again, it may be difficult to get through.
The blogosphere is all atwitter about this recall. One blogger at The Mother Load wrote, “Fingertip amputation? And they had to get to TWELVE cases before they issued a recall?” The search term “Macleren fingertip amputation” is already showing over 37,000 results on Google. Word spreads fast online – and that’s a good thing when it comes to child safety!
Indeed, Pete Blackshaw, a consultant for Nielson Online, reports that new mothers are three times more likely than others to use social media and start blogs. Blackshaw said, “Given the higher order of sensitivity, parents are much more diligent. They want to talk to friends, family and even strangers about their decisions. They’ll go the extra distance.” And they’ll also go the extra distance to warn other parents about dangerous products.
Maclaren USA, a 42-year-old brand originating in Great Britain, has been struggling to keep up with consumer demand for information about the recalled products. It has been difficult to access their website as well as their toll-free number, and TIME reports that the Maclaren Twitter account linked to pages that didn’t exist. A Maclaren Facebook page, however, instructs customers to email their name, address, phone number, stroller model, and stroller VIN number to sales@maclarenbaby.com.
It’s heartening to see such a viral online response to a child safety issue. The Internet continues to take on a greater role in the prevention of child injuries and personal injuries. I’m glad to be a small part of that.
If your child has been injured by a defective product, contact a attorney as soon as possible to ask about your legal rights. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.