A local radio frequency (RF) coil assembly (A) defining a pediatric patient receiving region (12) to be mounted to a patient support table (B) of an MRI scanner (E). The local RF coil assembly (A) includes a rigid coil body (16,18) operatively connected to an adjustable coil part (20) along a hinge axis (26). A carrier (F) is configured to receive a pediatric patient (C) and be positioned into engagement with the local RF coil assembly (A). An interlock assembly (51) holds the adjustable coil part (20) in a selected position (50) when the carrier (F) interacts with the adjustable coil part (20). At least one bearing (34, 36) is configured to pivot and bias the adjustable coil part (20) relative to the carrier (F) and gravity bias the interlock assembly and the carrier (F) into an interlocking engagement. The adjustable coil part (20) is gravity biased to the open position (28) when the carrier (F) is removed.