Maclaren buggy recall: latest news
Parents in the UK with concerns over the safety of Maclaren pushchairs can ask for new safety kits.
The move marks a climbdown by the company which initially had said it would not send out safety kits to UK customers, unlike those in the US. A number of parents in the UK have highlighted cases of injuries to children who got their fingers caught in the hinge. Now free covers will be sent out to parents who request them.
"Given the number of UK consumers that have now come forward giving details of injuries allegedly caused by these buggies, Maclaren should take a fresh look at this issue," a Department for Business spokesman said.
"A modification kit has been made available in the US and UK consumers will expect the same treatment."
But in a fresh statement, the company said its pushchairs complied with the "highest quality and regulatory standards" and, if used according to instructions, were safe.
"In the last few days, we have heard from hundreds of customers at our call centre and we have been able to reassure them about the quality and safety of our products," said Dylan Johnson, general manager of Maclaren UK.
"Most parents understand that they have to be vigilant when operating mechanical products around children, similar to the care they show when securing children in cars or protecting them around the home.
"We stress that our buggies are completely safe and fully compliant, but if parents remain concerned or worried, we urge them to talk to us."
A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire County Council trading standards said: "We welcome any measures that reduce the risk of injury to children and have been liaising with Maclaren over the past few days around this issue.
"We also hope that this acts as an important reminder to all parents and carers to take extra care when putting up any children's equipment that has a folding mechanism."
Parents in the UK who would like to request a set of hinge covers are being advised to e-mail their name and address, along with details of the buggy model and year, to advice@maclaren.co.uk, or call 01327 841320.