Maclaren Quest Recall - Any Reasons to Be Concerned?

Somewhere around one million baby strollers (the Quest was just one of several models) from Maclaren Company sold by Babies “R” as well as Target were, unfortunately, recalled back in 2009, right after a dozen reports of babies having their fingertips amputated by a bad stroller hinge mechanism.

So, this 2009 recall included all 9 models of both twin and single lightweight Maclaren strollers, according to the CPSC (just for your info, CPSC stands for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It’s an Independent Federal Regulatory Agency and works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the risk of deaths as well as injuries associated with consumer products). The CPSC basically announced this recall right after a thorough investigation.

Basically, the amputation risk happens when a baby's small fingertip is placed in the hazardous stroller hinge mechanism during opening. Once this unfolded unit locks safely into place, it could cut-off the tiny baby's fingertip.

"Stop using it immediately," one journalist advised.

This recall included the Quest Sport and Mod, but also Volo, Techno XT as well as XLR and popular Twin models Triumph and Techno. The recall also included the Easy Traveler. These were sold over at Target as well as Babies "R" Us. Also, these models have been sold at some other baby gear stores around the United States since the late 1990s. Prices for these models ranged from around $90 all the way up to $400.

Luckily, the Maclaren offered free of charge hinge covers to prevent future baby injuries. This cover must not be removed if the unit is being cleaned, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Our message to parents, grandparents and all caregivers is to make sure that you stop using these strollers until you get the repair kit, which zips the covers in place," said Consumer Product Safety Commission Public Relations Manager Patty Davis.

These models have been made in China and distributed by Maclaren USA Inc of South Norwalk, Conn.

Such recalls are not a strange for the CPSC. Just for instance, the Consumer Product Safety Commission in August 2009 recalled about forty one thousand units made by the famous manufacturer Baby Jogger since some units used troublesome buckles. This raised concerns that babies may fall from the units.

Manufacturers are obliged under United States federal law to alert the CPSC in case they come across info regarding the safety of the products, according to the CPSC's official Internet page. The CPSC can hold manufacturers accountable for not doing so.



Just for instance, one famous baby gear manufacturer agreed back in 2001 to pay over $1.7 million in fines to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in a settlement deal. This baby gear producer, which the CPSC said was the biggest producer of baby gear at the time, faced huge charges of not notifying the CPSC about defects with its strollers, cribs, car seat carriers as well as high chairs.

Should you be concerned about the Maclaren Quest stroller recall? Simply follow the official instructions issued by the Maclaren and you should be fine.

Maclaren Stroller Comparisons: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport and Techno XT

Basically you are going to choose the stroller based on features that are going to be the most important to you and to your child.

The Volo is basically their entry line stroller. The great thing about it is that it’s super light weight weighing at only 8.6 pounds. It has a mash breathable seat and it’s the perfect umbrella style stroller for out on the town, quick trips, shopping, and also great for vacationing. It travels well and it folds up easily. Probably the best features of this model are its lightweight design and yet high quality.

The Triumph – basically it’s a step up from the Volo. It has padded seats, interchangeable straps, and a nice canopy. The other great thing about the Triumph is that it does come in a double stroller as well. Twin Triumph is suitable from birth. It has an almost complete recline, but not completely flat and although you can put an infant comfortable in this seat. I would recommend this one if you have two toddlers. It is very easy to maneuver, fits through doorways great and it is also good for vacations because it does folds so easily.



The Quest Sport is basically an upgraded version of a Triumph. It has an improved canopy and it has a picaboo window on the back. It also features an extendible leg rest. So, when your baby wants to relax and recline you can put them out and baby has place to put their feet.



Next we have the Maclaren XT. This one truly is the daddy of Maclaren line. It has an upgraded luxurious seat, comfort packs that are interchangeable, so you can get different colors on your natural gray base. The sun shade has a picaboo on the top, so you can see right down the baby. It has a sun-visor that comes down. And just like all of the strollers from their line it has an exceptionally easy fold. This is universal across all Maclaren line. And the great thing about the XT, even being the luxurious and top of the line it is still only weighs 14.2 pounds. So, it is still a light weight stroller. And if you have twins or two kids the Techno XT as well comes in a double stroller. Twin Techno is the upgraded version of the Triumph. It has the same frame with a couple extra features. You have a clear viewing window on the top, so that you can see down directly at your baby. You have an extended sun visor for a little more protection and an extendible leg rest. As you will notice it has an almost flat recline, so it is suitable from birth plus the fabric is really nice and cushy. The frame is gray and there are different comfort pads to select from in order to customize the color. It folds the exact same way as the Triumph and they are both very easy. Once folded, for a double stroller, it is really small. Plus it is very easy to unfold it.

Best Strollers from Maclaren - Quest vs Volo and Techno XT

These top of the line strollers come in wide variety of styles for your baby's specific needs. You can opt for versatile models for the life time of your baby, or you can also purchase one that transforms to suit the growing baby.

Here is an overview of some of the most popular models and types.

Maclaren Quest Stroller

This is one of the most popular models from their line of baby strollers and my personal favorite. What makes it to be so special are the lightweight design, comfort for my baby, reasonable price, style, adjustable handles, lockable wheels and so much more. Basically, the Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller is everything you would want a baby pushchair to be. Best of all, it can be sized for toddlers and babies up to 4 years old. Rubber wheels are made to accommodate flat terrain that you might come across on a walk of in the shopping mall. You can also opt for various accessories. Believe me you will not regret buying it. Everyone will envy you and, above all, your baby will feel good and thus you will feel great.



Maclaren Techno XT

Now this one is also one of mine favorites. It is made with, in my opinion, slightly better wheels than the Quest. This pushchair goes much easily than a classic umbrella four wheel model. Great wheels keep the unit from getting hung up on uneven terrains. So, it can be effortlessly pushed over uneven terrains, much easier than a classical pushchair. But, do not think that this is a jogging model which can be great for beaches, streets, and hills. On the other hand it comes with great accessories. You can also get additional accessories such as an umbrella, foot muff etc.

Maclaren Volo Stroller

The Volo Stroller is made to suit several different aged babies; one tiny enough for a pushchair, and the other one who is growing up. One of a kind design of this model enables one baby comfortably to ride in the front of the stroller. The thing I like the most about is the lightweight design. You can carry it without ever getting tired. This is why I like them so much.

Now this is basically an umbrella style model. These are made for portability. Standard model can fold up easily into small spaces. Padded adjustable handles are very good. All of the models fold up along the length, and look like an umbrella when folded (that's where the name comes from). Maclaren also makes double umbrella pushchairs. These are great if you have twins. However, they are not so versatile compared to travel systems.

Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller - Charcoal/Grey User Review 161069 @ Yahoo! Video

Travel systems basically integrate with an infant car seat. This seat can be removed from the frame and used as a standard car seat. And when it's time to move your child out of the car, than just take the car seat and install it to the frame and you are all done. The chassis of this versatile stroller is developed as a standard stroller, so it can be used as a pushchair without the car seat if you wish. Furthermore, at some point, the baby will outgrow the car seat. When this happens the car seat can be "turned" to suit the larger baby, and the chassis can be used as a standard pushchair. Travel systems do cost a lot, but they are worth every cent.

Maclaren Quest in a Nutshell

As I have already reviewed the Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller (please see Blog Archive), in this post I will go through the functions and features.

- Sovereign lifetime warranty. It is recognized anywhere in the world where there are Maclaren Authorised Service Agents/Centers.

- Maclaren recycling program. Their Recycling Centers are available for used strollers at their Super Service Centers.

- A 5 point harness for added security. The unique design of the Maclaren Quest harness is the key. A 5-point harness that connects child at the waist, crotch, and shoulders provides the most security. Umbrella stroller ratings are all praises about the five-point harness.

- Detachable washable seat. Basically, this seat is cozy for the baby and easy for mommy or daddy to maintain and clean.

- Ultra compact umbrella fold. This mechanism enables the stroller to fold down for simple storage. On the other hand the umbrella fold system is fairly flimsy.

- Top-quality aluminum frame. The aluminum frame is basically 30 percent lighter than a standard steel frame. Also, it is very flexible and convenient.

- Handy mesh shopping basket. Shopping basket is very roomy. It can fit a medium to large sized diaper bag and some baby essentials.

- Carry strap or handle for easy portability. Carry strap is made of durable material. It is adjustable, detachable and ideal for carrying and storing.

- A 5 second one-hand fold. A five sec one-hand fold is as fast and simple as its name suggests

- Lockable, front swivel wheels. These front directional swivel wheels are much better than non-swivel and much simpler for you to navigate.

- Four seat positions recline. Basically, it helps keep babies comfortable.

- Padded handles. They are adjustable and foam insulated.

- Parking breaks. They help to hold the stroller stationary. They are foot operated.

- Extendable leg rest. It is for comfortable support of smaller child's legs

Dimensions of the Maclaren Quest Stroller: Without the rain cover, hood, and the shopping basket the unit weighs only 12.1 pounds (which is equivalent to 5.5 kilograms) and it has a carrying capacity of 55 pounds (which is equivalent to 15 kilograms). Therefore, it is suitable for kids from 3 months of age (according to United States and United Kingdom regulations) or 6 months of age (according to European Union safety standards). The wheels measure 5 inches (which is equivalent to 12.7 centimeters).

The hood has reflective accents for added safety, a storage pocket (for I.D.s, cell phone, makeup, wallet etc.), and an ultra violet protective picaboo window.
You can also purchase separately a mosquito net, sun parasol, carry bag, foot muff, and comfort packs.

A Review of the Maclaren Quest Mod

The Maclaren Quest Mod Stroller is one of the best additions to the Maclaren family. It weighs in 12.1 pounds putting it into a lightweight category. The whole frame has a nice shape design which is unique and also gives it a little bit more room in the seat area. It has around 14 inch seat area and around 19 inches seatback. From seatback to canopy top is around 24 inches, so your taller children are going to fit. The seat has a 3 positions padded harness and what I really like about the buckle is that it is a little bit tricky to put it together but what is great about it is that kids can’t undo it on their own; you have to push down than push the button and undo it in order to release it. So, your children are not going to be able to escape from this harness. But it does not have a baby bumper bar/

The Maclaren Quest has a slight recline that reclines almost flat. And it is easy to do this with a strap system. With a heavy kid in there it is going to be a little bit tricky to do that; you will probably going to need an extra hand. To put it back down by pulling the strap down and you can stop it in any position.

The Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller has a basket underneath that is very big and wide and it very easy to access it. If your seat is completely reclined you can still get things out of it. You can even put in a medium sized or large diaper bag in it. So, the basket only looks small but it is very functional and large. For other storage on this baby stroller it has a zipper pocket on the back. There are two compartments, so you can put diapers and a big wallet. This is especially great on the summer when you want to keep your kid cool.

The canopy on the Maclaren Quest is fabulous. Maclaren improved all their canopies and I absolutely love it because it is gigantic. It is a very good canopy. It is large and it completely shades your child. Also, it has a great picaboo window.



The handlebar is adjustable which is great. It doesn’t telescope out and it does not adjust up and down. Also, you can attach a safety strap that you can put around your wrist in case you don’t want to get your stroller to get away from you.



The Maclaren Quest Sport has a four wheel design. The frame is very sturdy and what I like about it is that for a lightweight stroller I am able to handle my medium sized duffle bag on the handles and it is not tipping back. Also, the maneuverability of this baby stroller is fabulous. It has a great unique handle bar so you put your hand in the middle and you can easily do it holding another child’s hand, carrying your diaper bag etc. Only with one hand you can maneuver it. Even up to the wieght capacity of 55 pounds you can still maneuver this one handed. The Maclaren Quest has a very unique fold. It is very easy to do it. It has a few simple steps.

A Review of the Maclaren Quest Sport

Maclaren has been present in the lightweight baby stroller industry for many years. Let us take a look at one of their most wanted product - Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller. Let’s start with the seat. It has a very tall seat. It has a seatback to canopy measurement of around 26 inches. Even your tallest children are going to be able to fit into this. It has a high weight capacity of 55 pounds. So, a 5 year old can comfortably seat in it without his or hers head coming anywhere near the canopy. There is a padded 3 position harness and an adjustable foot rest for the comfort of your child. You can have it up or all the way down. And if they are a little bit taller they can set their fit on the foot rest as well. The seat has a very deep recline. It is a strap system; I would prefer a one handed bar recliner but the straps are not bad either. You can put it in any position. It goes all the way back to a storage box. A nice feature is that in the summer when you want your child to be a little bit cooler you can take off the back fabric off and roll it up so that the air can circulate through the entire stroller to keep your baby cool.

The Maclaren Quest has a very large canopy for an umbrella stroller. A picaboo window is a great feature as well so that you can keep an eye on your little rascal as you go along. This baby stroller supports two high higher ergonomic handles. It is around 40 inches from ground to where you place your hands. So, it is going to be great for taller parents.

Now let us take a look at the storage. This is an umbrella style stroller, so it’s not going to have a lot of storage but it does have some. It has a large zipper pocket on the back of the canopy as well as small to medium size basket, but good for umbrella size. If you have the seat reclined it is going to be hard to access the stroller basket but you can access it for small items from the side, just know you are not going to get a large diaper bag in there; probably a purse or small diaper bag.

The Maclaren Quest has four around 6 inches high tires. Best of all, the front wheels actually lock straight. You are going to be able to go over a bit rougher terrain. But just remember that it is an umbrella style stroller, so it’s not going to be able to go over a lot of bumpier terrain. Also, the back wheels have a one-touch system. As you can see you just have to step on it and it locks very easy.

This baby stroller weighs in 12.1 pounds. It is just a bit lighter than a standard stroller so they put it in a lightweight category. But you are going to get a sturdier stroller for that weight.

Folding the Maclaren Quest is really great because over at Maclaren they listen to parents. All you have to do is pull up on the carry strap to unlock the frame, step on the side piece and it folds down. And what I love about it is the automatic lock that keeps it locked during transporting. Also, it has a carry strap so it is great for taking through the airport or just swinging over your shoulder if you have to go to the bus or train. Unfolding this baby stroller is also a very easy operation. Unlock the automatic lock, fold up, step on the back piece and you are ready to go.



Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller is an umbrella stroller with small wheels so it is going to be best on smooth terrains such as concrete. But it is still a great maneuverability stroller.



So, let’s summarize. This product has some really great features for parents and for the kids – large canopy, great handles, extra tall seat and a carry strap as well as the great fold.

Maclaren Quest - Loves Your Child

Maclaren has become a well known name in the world of the baby strollers. It makes high-end, lighter weight strollers. The Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller is the top of the line stroller in their collection.
It has a very tall seatback. From seatback all the way to the top of canopy measurement is around 27 inches. Your tallest children can fit in here without touching the canopy at all. It is also 13.2 inches wide and 9 inches deep so it is good for your taller children. It has a weight capacity of 55 pounds which is actually 4 to 5 year old. So, it is a good enough weight capacity. But it does not features a removable head hugger that gives your child a comfortable place for their head. Also, there is no baby bumper part, but the foot rest is adjustable for whether your child likes it out or you can put it down for the comfort of your child. Now, what I like about this baby stroller is that it is a one handed pull adjuster – kind of like some car seats are. All you have to do in order to get the harness perfectly tighten on your child every time is to pull the strap and that is going to tighten the harness around your child; and to undo it just like on car seats you push the button and that is going to release it. So, it is a really nice feature on the Maclaren Quest.

The seat has a one handed recliner. I just love this recliner (and no straps included). All you have to do is pinch the fabric and it goes half back and all the way back. You are going to block the storage box as it is fully reclined but you can access it for smaller items from the side.

The Maclaren Quest has very large canopy for a lightweight baby stroller. And it even has the pop out sun visor to give you even more protection for. It also has a picaboo window so that you can picaboo on your child. There is a storage pack parked on the very back of the canopy for mom and dad to store their essentials such as a cell phone, keys etc. There is a basket beneath. It is a very large basket. It has most comfortable handle bars which give you great one handed maneuverability. It is a tall handle bar (41 inches from the ground to the handlebar height) which is great for taller moms and dads. The wheels include nicely designed hub caps. As you will notice the front wheels are swivel wheels but they have the ability to lack straight and it is so easy. All you have to do with your foot is to push the button down and that is going to lock them straight. Push it again and it keeps the swiveling.



This stroller also supports a rear support system that is great for giving your baby a smooth ride. The maneuverability of the Maclaren Quest is very good. It is very easy to maneuver one handed even fully loaded. When it folds down it has an automatic lock that locks it for storage. This baby stroller even has a side carry handle for easy transporting. And even though it is made of lightweight aluminum it does weigh 12.1 pounds which is a bit heavy for some moms. Maybe not the most light-weight of the bunch, but this pushchair seems to be an ideal compromise between features and weight.



The Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller has some really great features for both moms and babies. It has an extra tall seat, the beautiful silky fabric, the tall handle for tall moms and dads, the very large canopy and the great one handed pull harness adjuster, and the front lockable swivel wheels.

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