How to keep kids safe from stroller hinge hazards

Consumer Reports News: April 08, 2010 05:08 AM

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To help parents avoid the hazards of stroller hinges, we produced the accompanying video (at right) to show how to keep kids safe from those hazards when the little ones are in and around a stroller. (See our strollers buying guide and Ratings.)

In the past two years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced five recalls of more than 2.5 million strollers that can severely injure children's fingers. The CPSC reported at least 29 injuries, including fingertip amputations and lacerations, that occurred when a child got his or her finger caught in one of the stroller hinge mechanisms. (See stroller hinges: A closer look at the standards.)

The recalled strollers include big brands such as Graco, Maclaren and Britax (though most of the umbrella strollers that we've recently tested have similar hinge designs). Many of those manufacturers are offering hinge covers so check the recall notices below if you own one of the recalled strollers.

See the full Safety blog post.

Do you have one of the recalled strollers or the hinge cover? Have you had pinching issues with any stroller? Let us know in comments.