Car Seat Recalls

When you go shopping for your first or next car seat for your children, you may want to verify if any of the brands have a recall issued on them.

Child seats may be recalled under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 which was established and is enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While most recalls involve the seat’s (lack of) crashworthiness, others include parts that can be a choking hazard; flammability, especially the pads and upholstery; and incorrect labeling.

Check the car seat as thoroughly as you check a new or used car. This step is especially true if you receive or purchase the seat second-hand from a garage sale, flea market, or as a hand-me down from well-meaning relatives. Verify the belts and buckles not fraying or cracking. Make sure there are no holes where your baby can entrap their finger or sharp edges within reach for both of you. Finally, test the seat in your car for proper fit. Despite the claims, not all car seats are effective in every vehicle.

Finally, all children car seats should be labeled with the manufacturer’s name, model information, and when it was manufactured. A registration card should be provided as well if you’ve purchased a new one. The NHTSA can be contacted at 1-888-327-4236 or on the Internet at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm. There you can not only verify if there’s a recall but find plenty of tips on what seats work best for your child as they grow older.