Maclaren Triumph

Safety

Padded and stable. New Maclaren strollers now come with protective hinge covers to protect fingers during folding and unfolding. Reviewers and parents say that the Maclaren Triumph is easy to push and stable on even surfaces. Due to the Triumph's light weight, the stroller will tip if heavy bags are hung from the handles. It has one-touch, linked brakes. The Triumph was recalled in November 2009 after reports that 12 children had their fingers amputated in Maclaren hinges. The recall was reissued in 2011 due to additional reports of amputations. Since the recall, Maclaren has been sued for damages by several of the families impacted. The company's bankruptcy filing named the families in its list of creditors, placing their claims against the company in limbo. Maclaren has been accused of filing for the bankruptcy under false pretenses to avoid paying damages for injuries and amputations.

Ease of use

Simple fold and unfold. Experts and owners alike say the Maclaren Triumph is easy to use in every area. It has a smooth, one-handed fold and unfolds easily as well. It locks automatically when folded, making it easy to carry with the included, detachable shoulder strap. The recline is now one-handed as well (as of the 2011 model) with a buckle and strap mechanism that reviewers say is easy to use, although one expert says it takes some getting used to. The brakes engage easily with the touch of a button.

Lifestyle features

Not many features for the price. The Maclaren Triumph reclines to accommodate babies as young as 3 months and offers a high, 55-pound weight rating. One expert reviewer says it has a very roomy seat, great for an older or bigger child. The Triumph does not have an adjustable leg rest and some parents say the seat design allows babies' legs to hang uncomfortably against the end of the seat. The Triumph has a small under-seat basket, but cup holders have to be purchased separately. The basket can't be accessed when the stroller is reclined. The Triumph comes with a rain cover included, but parents and expert reviewers say the canopy only offers partial coverage.

The Triumph has a padded seat for comfort and to absorb road shock from the small, 5-inch wheels; however, it does not have a suspension system, so the ride may feel bumpy -- all the more reason not to use it for very young infants. One reviewer notes that the Triumph does pretty well on grass and playground mulch. The front wheels lock for stability.

Customer service

Maclaren may be on shaky ground. A number of credible sources say Maclaren was aware of the amputation risk prior to the 2009 recall. Meaning, they could have fixed it faster and placed fewer children at risk. Further, Maclaren initially responded to the recall defensively, saying they clearly stated on instructions that children should not be around the stroller unattended, an argument that angered parents for implying, as it did, that they were to blame. Finally, the bankruptcy filing impeded families from effectively suing for damages. One very reliable product review source downgraded Maclaren from an "A" to an "F" rating after reports that the bankruptcy was a fraudulent filing to avoid paying damages to families of injured children. In addition, since the bankruptcy filing was a Chapter 7, there is the chance that Maclaren could be dissolved, putting long-term customer service in question.

Bottom line

Due to issues with credibility, we are not recommending any strollers in the Maclaren line. While the Triumph hinge issue has been remedied, there is too much uncertainty with this manufacturer at this time for us to suggest purchasing a Maclaren stroller.