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.