We just read on the Baby Bargains Blog that Maclaren plans to do a huge recall of ALL stroller manufactured between 1999 and 2009. So basically that means pretty much every Mac that is currently in use right now. Yikes!
There have been 12 reports of a hinge on the stroller that amputated children’s fingertips. At least that’s what I read. Sounds horrifying eh? Apparently the fix is just a simple hinge cap that Maclaren will send out to stroller owners.
This sounds very similar to the hinge cap that Phil and Ted’s issued with their Sport Buggy v1 recall after they had complaints people were gettings their fingers stuck in the hinge. Of course then we didn’t hear the word amputated.
Does this mean you should worry if you have a Maclaren? Apparently when the recall is public this Tuesday you should stop using your stroller. Should you really? That depends on your comfort level but in either case I would be very careful not to leave it out where your children can play with it as that seems to be the real risk. Once the recall is public Maclaren should have a hotline and website form to request the cap for the hinge. Of course do this as soon as possible and don’t forget to actually install it on your stroller when it arrives.
My guess is that the words “safety recall” can sound a whole lot more ominous and worrisome than they should be to most parents. All of this does serve as a great reminder though that strollers are not good playtoys for toddlers or young children. There are too many hinges, clasps and parts where little fingers can get stuck.

I agree with you that letting young children play with the stroller is a bad idea. Too many moving parts. Kudos to Maclaren for offering a cap to child proof the stroller. I love my Maclaren and will keep using it.
I’ve been using Maclarens for years and never had a problem. Just don’t let your kids play around the stroller while you are unfolding it and you’ll have no problems.