A pediatric patient (110), e.g. 0-18 months, is positioned in a patient carrier (100) and prepared for magnetic resonance imaging. The carrier (100) and patient (110) are set on a patient support table (170) of the MRI scanner on which table a local RF coil assembly (180) has been mounted. The carrier (100) is slid along the table (170) into engagement with the RF coil assembly (180). Interacting guide surfaces on the carrier (100) and RF coil assembly (180) align the carrier (100) with a longitudinal axis of the table (170). The RF coil assembly (180) includes a pivotally mounted anterior coil (290) which is lowered into an imaging or operating position (400). The table with the engaged RF coil assembly (180), carrier (100) and pediatric patient (110) is translated into a magnetic imaging region (330) of the MRI scanner.