In the wake of the massive Maclaren stroller recall in November, Graco today is recalling 1.5 million Alano, Passage and Spree strollers for the same reason — if children stick their fingers in the hinge when the stroller is being opened or closed, there's a risk of injury.

Seven children have had their fingertips amputated this way, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

This article from the Christian Science Monitor has photos of the hinge, all the affected model numbers, and a video demonstrating how to attach the repair kit.

As I wrote regarding the Maclaren stroller recall, I find they hysteria around these recalls unnecessary. Just like the Maclaren stroller manual, the Graco Passage owners manual clearly states the following warning:

• AVOID FINGER ENTRAPMENT: Use care when folding and unfolding the stroller. Be certain the stroller is fully erected and latched before allowing your child near the stroller.

Where do we draw the line between an accident and product liability?

Let's contrast this with Tuesday's recall of about 635,000 drop-side Dorel Asia cribs, because the hardware can fail, causing the drop-side to detach from the crib. One infant has died and 10 have been injured.

That, to me, seems like a reason for a recall. Yet the advice from the CPSC is the same with each: stop using the product immediately, until you receive and implement the repair kit.

To me, it would make more sense to say in the stroller case, until you get the hinge cover, keep your kids fingers away from the hinges while folding/unfolding, and they won't get hurt. In the crib case, stop using it immediately until you receive a repair kit. But hey, the threat of lawsuits often trumps common sense, doesn't it?

Jen Eyer is on the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. She oversees the Parenting and Home & Garden sections, and writes feature stories, blog posts and opinion pieces. She can be reached at 734-623-2577 or jeneyer@annarbor.com.