Current Events in Car Seat Issues
July 28
Regal Lager is recalling Cybex Solution X-Fix belt positioning boosters manufactured during February, 2010. The instruction manual and a warning label on the seat don't follow Regal Lager's recommendation that an unoccupied booster always be secured with a vehicle seatbelt. The recall campaign will begin on or around August 10, 2010, and registered owners will receive a new manual and sticker from Regal Lager. For more information, go to the Regal Lager recall site. You can also call 800-593-5522.
June 28
Britax has redesigned their entire convertible carseat line to include new technology and slightly higher weight limits for both rear-facing (now to 40 lbs.) and forward-facing (Roundabout to 55 lbs., all other "bigger" Britax convertibles to 70 lbs.). For more information, visit CarseatBlog.com at http://carseatblog.com/?p=6436. The new carseats will be available for sale in August 2010.
February 5
Dorel is recalling some Maxi-Cosi Mico infant carseats because the infant seat may not securely attach to the base. The seats were manufactured between February 18, 2008-June 28, 2008. Model numbers for infant seats are 22-371 HFL, JUC, LMD, PNG, AND ORE, and for bases are 22-515 BLK. For more information about the recall, visit Dorel's recall page or call 1-877-657-9546.
January 16
NHTSA is recalling some Cosco and Eddie Bauer carseats because the tether webbing fails the abrasion requirements of FMVSS 213. The seats were manufactured between January 1, 2000-September 30, 2001. If the tether is exposed to excessive abrasion and degrades, it could fail in a crash. Dorel, the parent company of Cosco and Eddie Bauer, is expected to start a recall campaign around February 2, 2010, and will send out replacement tethers to registered owners of the carseats. However, the majority of these seats expired in either 2007 or 2008, with the latest Alpha Omega/3-in-1 carseats expiring in 2009. These carseats should not be in use. For more information about the recall, visit the NHTSA recall page.The report can be found on NHTSA's recall page.
January 16
NHTSA is recalling some Cosco carseats because the sun may cause damage to the harness. UV stabilizer used on the webbing of the harness may not protect it from deterioration from the sun. The seats were manufactured between March 15, 2002-August 1, 2002. If the harness degrades more than allowed, it could fail in a crash. Dorel, the parent company of Cosco, is expected to start a recall campaign around February 2, 2010, and will send out replacement harnesses to registered owners of the carseats. However, these seats expired in 2008. These carseats should not be in use. For more information about the recall, visit the NHTSA recall page.The report can be found on NHTSA's recall page.
December 22
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released its ratings today of belt positioning booster seats. Engineers assessed each booster using a 6 year old dummy weighing 51.6 lbs. with a seated height of 25". The boosters were scored for lap belt fit and shoulder belt fit. The report can be found here. For more commentary and to leave your opinion, visit CarseatBlog.com. Ultimately, the best booster for your child fits your vehicle well, your child well, and your budget.
December 18
NHTSA, CPSC, and Dorel Juvenile Group are recalling Dorel infant seats because the handle can loosen and fall off when the seat is used as a carrier. Seats include Safety 1st, Cosco, Eddie Bauer, and Disney branded infant seats manufactured between January 6, 2008-April 6, 2009, sold with travel systems. For model numbers (look on your infant seat label) and more information on the recall, click here or call Dorel at 866-762-3316. The infant seats are safe to use installed in vehicles; do not carry by handle until free repair kit has been installed. To further reduce chance of injury should the handle fail, keep infant properly restrained by the harness whenever the child is in the seat. This recall falls under CPSC jurisdiction because it involves the carry handle and does not affect the safety of the carseat when it is used in a vehicle.
November 20
Evenflo is recalling First Choice infant seats, model # 3604098, manufactured between January 16-September 29, 2009, because a label was left off the seat. The label contained information on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and FAA certification, as well as contact information for Evenflo and NHTSA. Evenflo will mail labels to owners with placement instructions. The seat is safe to use. For more information on the recall, click here or call Evenflo at 800-233-5921.
October 28
Lerado is recalling miaModa Viva and Viva Supreme infant car seats. Model numbers include 5000, 5050, 5070, 5080 (on infant carrier label), and the base only model number 5001, 5051, 5071, 5081 (on base label). The harness splitter plate, which holds both harness straps on the back of the seat, has sharp edges which can cut the harness. Also, the base can crack in a crash. Owners should stop using the infant seat and base and switch to a different carseat. Lerado is providing full refunds. For more information on the recall, click here or call miaModa at 1-877-546-8437.
July 24
Dorel Juvenile Group is recalling Maxi-Cosi Mico infant car seats manufactured between July 2007-February 17, 2008. Model numbers include 22-371 and 22-372 (on infant carrier label), and the base only model number 22-515 (on base label). The base could have a defect causing the carrier to not connect properly to the base resulting in injury to the child in a crash. Dorel will replace the Mico base for free. For more information on the recall, click here or call Dorel at 1-877-657-9546.
May 21
Triple Play Products is recalling Sit 'n' Stroll convertible car seats manufactured on May 5, 2008. Car seats have the model number 4002. The webbing used in the harness adjuster strap doesn't meet federal safety standards and can break, causing the child to not be properly restrained and potentially injured in a crash. Triple Play will notify registered owners and provide a free replacement kit for the adjuster strap. Until repair kit is received, use an alternative 5-point harness convertible seat for your child. For more information on the recall, click here or call Triple Play at 1-800-829-1625.
April 24
Team-Tex is recalling Baby Ride infant seats, model number 374199, manufactured on December 18, 2008. The seat belt routing label with the "horizontal reference line" is incorrectly placed on the child restraint. Team-Tex will notify registered owners and mail new labels with instructions for correct placement of label. In the meantime, read instruction manual for proper belt path use. For more information on the recall, click here or call Team-Tex at 877-912-1313.
April 2
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends in a new article in its magazine, "AAP News," that children should remain rear-facing until age 2 or until the maximum rear-facing weight and height limit is reached for the child's convertible car seat (remember that the height listed on the label is a guideline and most manufacturer's recommend having at least an inch (1") of car seat shell above the child's head when rear-facing).
The last policy recommendation made by the AAP was in 2002 when it recommended children remain rear-facing until the minimum of age 1 AND 20 lbs. or until the maximum rear-facing weight and height limit is reached for the child's convertible car seat. This information is now outdated. Studies have shown that rear-facing is 5 times safer for toddlers through age 2. For more information on rear-facing, see the Rear-Facing Is Safest page.
March 4
Recaro is recalling all Signo convertible car seats manufactured between February and September 2008. The harness adjuster strap may slip through the metal adjuster lever (called the A Lock) leaving the harness loose, which could cause injury in a crash. Recaro will replace defective seats. For more information, visit the NHTSA recall page or contact Recaro at 1-888-473-2290.
March 1
The Chicago Tribune published an article in which it released information about infant seats separating from their bases in vehicle crash tests at 35 mph. The crash tests were performed as part of the NCAP testing of new vehicles by NHTSA and is not the type of crash testing undergone by car seats. Car seats are tested on a sled bench seat at 30 mph, a test that's more severe than 98% of crashes in the U.S. Videos released by the newspaper showed some infant seats separating from their bases and those that didn't separate, rebounding into the back seat. Read more discussion about the article and the repercussions at CarseatBlog.com.
What can you do to make sure your child is as safe as possible? Make sure your infant seat is securely attached into the base. Remove any blankets from the edges of the seat and clear out any debris off the back seat. Listen for the clicks the seat makes as it attaches to the base and pull up on it to double-check.
Tighten your child's harness. It should be snug as a hug. You won't squish your child and a snug harness will keep your child safely in the seat and won't allow him to fly up and out in a crash.
Install the base securely according to instructions. Use the lower LATCH anchors only where allowed and if you're not sure, use the seat belt instead. If you don't trust your base any more, you can install most infant seats without the base (check your instruction manual/labels to see if this is allowed) or switch to using a rear-facing convertible.
Rebounding looks scary, but the force of the crash occurs as the seat is going down toward the front of the vehicle in a frontal crash. The forces on rebound are much less and we just aren't seeing children injured because of it. You should NOT turn your child forward-facing before age 2 AND 30 lbs. because of rebounding and should continue to consider keeping your child rear-facing to the limits of a large convertible seat.
January 9
Peg Perego is recalling the Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 infant seat manufactured between July 1, 2007 and March 14, 2008. A sharp edge on the plastic near the harness adjuster strap could cause cuts or scratches on the legs or feet of bare-footed infants. There have been at least 91 injuries. Peg Perego will provide a free repair kit to registered owners. For more information, visit www.pegperego.com or call Peg at 1-800-671-1701.
January 8, 2009
On January 6, Ohio's governor signed into law a new child passenger safety law. The new law amends the old one requiring children between the ages of 4-8 to ride in booster seats. The current law states: children ages 0-3 or less than 40 lbs. are required to be in a car seat; children ages 7 and under and less than 4'9" are required to be in an age appropriate restraint; children ages 8-15 are required to use a booster or seat belt. For more information on the law, visit www.boostohiokids.org/booster_seat_law/current.htm.
December 12
Britax is issuing a recall for the Frontier combination seat manufactured between April 1, 2008-September 14, 2008 for model numbers E9L54E7, E9L54H6, E9L54H7 and E9L54M6. For model number E9L5490, manufacture dates are between April 1, 2008-September 17, 2008. If the harness straps are loosened by pulling one strap at a time, the harness strap may detach from the splitter plate (referred to as a metal yoke in the instruction manual). Britax will mail to registered owners rubber caps to place on the ends of the splitter plate to prevent the harness from detaching. The seat may continue to be used as long as the harness is completely attached to the splitter plate and doesn't come loose when pulled snug. For more information on the recall, visit www.FrontierRecall.com.
December 9
Graco is recalling the Frazier version of the ComfortSport because a body pillow included with the seat partially obscures the airbag warning label on the cover. Federal safety standards require that the label be seen at all times. Models included in the recall were manufactured between November 1, 2006 and October 8, 2007 and have the model numbers of 8C04FRR and 8C04FRR2. Because the pillow is provide for comfort only and not for safety reasons, owners of the seat should throw away the pillow. For a picture of the Frazier ComfortSport and more details on the recall, visit the Graco web site.
October 1
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute evaluated belt positioning booster seats and released their findings on which seats they deemed best fits for a 6 year old dummy. What they found was that many well-known boosters provided a sub-par fit on the dummy: the lap portion of the seat belt rested too high on the soft belly and/or the shoulder portion of the seat belt rested either too far off the side of the shoulder or across the neck. The main point of the study is that it's not enough to grab any booster off the store shelf and assume it will work: a parent/caregiver must fit the booster to the vehicle, the child, and the budget, just like a harnessed car seat. See CarseatBlog.com for more detailed instructions on how to choose a belt positioning booster. IIHS Status Report on booster seats | IIHS booster seat evaluations | Safe Kids USA response to report
June 26
Baby Trend is recalling all Rigid Latch-Loc infant seats and the base that was sold separately. Model numbers include 6400, 6439, 6448, 6481, AND 6484. Incorrect steel was used on the LATCH connector pawl, which can allow the pawl to crack. In a severe crash, the base can detach from the vehicle's LATCH anchors and not provide protection for the infant. Baby Trend will replace the base for free. Owners can contact Baby Trend at 1-800-328-7363. For more information, click here.
June 2
Chicco is recalling the base only for the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 infant seats manufactured between February 26, 2008 and March 17, 2008. Serial numbers affected include: 08 02 26 xxxx, 08 03 07 xxxx, 08 03 15 xxxx, 08 02 29 xxxx, 08 03 08 xxxx, 08 03 16 xxxx, 08 03 04 xxxx, 08 03 10 xxxx, 08 03 17 xxxx, 08 03 05 xxxx, 08 03 12 xxxx, 08 03 06 xxxx, or 08 03 14 xxxx. When LATCH is used to install the base, the webbing can slip through the adjustment lock causing the restraint to move excessively in a crash. If your base is affected by the recall, discontinue using LATCH and install the base using the vehicle seat belt. Chicco will replace recalled bases. For more information, click here.
May 2
Toyota is recalling the 2008 Highlander because rear-facing car seats cannot be safely secured with the seat belts in the 3rd seating row. Toyota will notify owners in June and will repair the seat belts for free. For more information, click here.
April 1
The Evenflo Discovery infant seat manufactured on February 4, 2008 only has been recalled. Model numbers affected include 3021769Z and 3021854Z. Some seats may have been shipped without the red handle on the back of the seat being completely assembled. This could lead to the seat separating from the base in a crash. Seats were sold at Target or Wal-Mart between March 11-21, 2008. Evenflo is replacing these seats. For more information, click here.
March 18
Graco has issued a recall for the CarGo combination car seats manufactured between January 9, 2007 through March 3, 2008. Affected model numbers include: 8487BELI, 8487SMP, 8487WBR, 8686ROS, 8689FAR, 8D01ZPH, 8D02SYC, 8D03WIK, 8D04SDN, 8D05NWY, 8D10CCE. Graco discovered that a label on the back of the car seats have an incorrect phone number for the NHTSA Hotline telephone number. The correct Hotline number is 1-888-327-4236. The number printed in the owner's manual is correct. Graco is sending a kit including a new label to all registered owners. For more information, click here.
March 3
Combi has issued a recall for Centre, Centre ARB, and Shuttle infant car seats manufactured between October 2005 and December 2007. Combi, NHTSA, and Transport Canada have discovered that the infant seats may separate from their bases during rigorous frontal crash testing. Model numbers include individual seats 8065, 8074, 8086, 8087, and 8520 and travel system model numbers 4400, 4515, 4520. No injuries have been reported. Until you receive a free retrofit kit, you should use the seat without the base. For more information, click here or call 1-800-543-7734.
February 23
Recaro has issued a recall for all Como and Signoconvertible car seats manufactured before December 18, 2007. The harness may come off the metal splitter plate on the back of the seat during use. This could leave your child unprotected in a crash. Registered owners will receive a free repair kit that includes 2 rubber caps that will close the gaps on the splitter plate that allow the harness to slip off. There have been no reported injuries. For more information, click here or call 1-800-8-RECARO.
February 1
Evenflo has issued a recall for the Discovery infant seat manufactured beginning in April 2005. Model numbers affected include: 390, 391, 534, 552. The car seat could separate from the base in a high speed side impact crash. Registered owners will receive a free repair kit that includes dual-hook fasteners to keep the seat attached to the base. Future models with enhanced fasteners will be available for retail beginning in the 2nd quarter of 2008. For more information, click here or call 800-356-2229. Parents can continue to use the seat until the repair kit is received.
January 30
NHTSA came out with its annual child safety seat Ease of Use Ratings. This year, in an attempt to make it clearer for parents to understand, they’ve dropped the A, B, C grading system in favor of a 5-star grading system. Safety seats are evaluated on ease of use features, such as vehicle installation features and securing the child, and also on quality of the instructions and labeling. To see the ratings, go to the NHTSA web site. Remember that the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle with less than 1” of movement when you tug at the belt path, fits your child the best, and has the features that make the seat easy for you to use each ride. To see a list of commonly recommended seats, visit the list of Recommended Car Seats.
December 21
Dorel has issued a recall for the Touriva and Regal Ride convertible car seats manufactured September 28, 2004 through September 20, 2007. Models affected include: Cosco® Touriva: 22100TTD, 22100FSM, 22100TIP, 22111FSM, 22130WAL, 93100FSM, 93111FSM; Cosco Regal RideTM: 22139MON. The elastic straps holding the cover to the plastic shell can come loose, allowing the child to loop them around parts of his body. Registered owners will receive a free repair kit. For more information, click here or call 888-698-6681.
Recaro is recalling all Como convertible car seats manufactured before 9/17/07. The forward-facing shoulder belt guide, previously called lockoff, may allow the seat belt to slide freely through. For a free locking clip, call Recaro at 800-8-RECARO or email at childseats@recarousa.com . Click here for more information.
November 20
Graco has issued a recall for the SnugRide infant car seat manufactured between 8/1/06 and 6/30/07. These seats were sold separately from a travel system. The backing of the seat pad may deteriorate and be pulled off by the child riding in the seat, posing a choking hazard. Affected models include: 8616FOF3, 8643DDH2, 8643DDH3, 8643CDR2, 8643DH03, 8643SUP2, 8643SUP3, 8643JOS2, 8643JOS3, 8643MDW3, 8643PWC3, 8643SFJ3, 8645FMT2, 8645FMT3, 8645GLM3, 8645GLN3, 8645HEM2, 8645HEM3, 8645MYC2, 8646SML3, 8645MYC3, 8645MRG3, 8645PKR2, 8645SNY2, 8646SND2, 8645THR2, 8645THR3, 8646FIE2, 8646FIE3, 8646GRT3, 8646RRY3, 8609FOF3, 8609FOF2, 8616FOF2. Graco will send a repair kit to registered owners. For more information, click here.
November 17
miaModa has issued a recall for the Viva infant restraint system and separately sold Viva base. When installed with LATCH, in certain situations, the LATCH adjuster can interfere with the infant carrier attaching to the base. miaModa is sending out repair kits to registered owners. The restraint can continue to be used as a carrier alone or when installed with the vehicle belt. For more information, click here or call their hotline at 1-866-642-6632, though on 11/17/07, no information regarding the recall was on their web site.
November 7
Britax has issued a consumer advisory for the Companion to clarify information given in the instruction manual. This advisory affects all models made before November 1, 2007. First, the inner buckle strap position should be used for infants weighing less than 11 lbs. Once the child reaches 11 lbs., the buckle strap must be moved to the outer position. It can be moved to the outer position before the child reaches 11 lbs. for comfort reasons if necessary. Second, a child has outgrown the Companion when the top of the head is less than 1" from the top of the car seat or the child's height reaches 30". For more information, click here.
October 19
Britax is recalling the Marathon because the top tether hook may open in a crash if the child weighs above 50 lbs. Restraints were manufactured between May 23, 2006 through July 28, 2006 and model numbers affected are E9L06, E9W06, and E906. The top tether lot number is KGR 01 A. Britax will send all registered owners a top tether hook replacement. There have been no reports of injuries. For more information, click here.
October 3
Dorel is recalling the Comfort infant seat because handle trim screws can loosen, resulting in a choking hazard for children. No injuries have been reported so far. Parents and caregivers should continue to use the seat until a repair kit is received. Models affected include: Alpha Elite Comfort Infant Car Seat model numbers 22331 BLA and 22332 RLA, and the Eddie Bauer Comfort Infant Car Seat model numbers 22631 LNG, 22630 AFD, 22630 BAL, 22630 FTM, 22630 HPN, 22630 LRS, and 22630 LKM. The 22630 models are part of the 01726 Eddie Bauer Integrated Travel System. For more information, click here.
August 31
Britax is recalling the Boulevard convertible seat model E9L57. Models affected include those manufactured between March 1, 2006 and August 1, 2006. During testing, the tether hook opened which fails to conform to the dynamic performance and child restraint system integrity requirements of FMVSS 213. If the top tether hook opens during a crash, the child restraint could change from an upright to a reclined position increasing the risk of injury to the child. Registered owners will automatically receive labels along with instructions advising caregivers to discontinue use of the top tether when the child reaches 50 lbs. For more information, click here.
August 23
Graco has recalled ComfortSport convertible seats manufactured between 1/2/2007 - 7/31/2007. Models affected include: 8629TWL, 8631DFT, 8631DRA, 8632PSO, 8635TAC, 8639COS, 8C00BLG, 8C00DMN, 8C00GRP, 8C00LNW, 8C00MID, 8C00TMB, 8C01SVD, 8C01WTN, 8C02MGI, 8C02MRC, 8C03HAL, 8C03WCF, 8C04FRR, 8433FOF, 8630MTR. On the affected seats, the attached LATCH strap was routed behind the shoulder portion of the harness instead of under the lap portion of the harness. This could cause problems for a rear-facing child in a crash by allowing the seat to over-rotate. Instructions will be mailed or emailed to all registered owners. Owners can also obtain instructions on how to reroute the lower LATCH strap by clicking here. Until the problem is corrected, stop using the lower LATCH strap for installation for rear-facing and use the vehicle seat belt. For more information on the recall, click here.
August 16
Britax has recalled Decathlon convertible seats, model number E9L47, manufactured between February 12, 2005 through July 31, 2007. When the harness adjuster strap is pulled from the side, the bezel may separate from the shell, allowing the adjuster to move out of position. While the harness is properly adjusted on the child, the bezel and adjuster won't move out of position. There have been no reported accidents or injuries. Britax is sending 2 push rivets that should take less than 5 minutes to install on the bottom of the adjuster assembly. For direct information on the recall, click here or go to the Britax web site.
July 9
Britax has issued a consumer advisory for all Regents manufactured between November 10, 2005 and June 18, 2007. Model numbers begin with E9L39. A product update kit, which includes a revised user guide, belt-routing label to be applied over the existing label located on the fabric cover, a longer LATCH connector strap, and adhesive slip-resistant strips, will be mailed to registered owners. Product update kits will begin shipping to owners on or before July 10, 2007. Until the kit is received, owners of the seat should follow directions on the Britax web site to reinstall their seats based on the new installation instructions. For frequently asked questions, click here.
July 3
Britax has released a new version of instructions to go along with its Regent manufactured on or after 6/18/07. Any Regents with a date of manufacture (DOM) of that date or later should use the new instructions for installation as they are quite different than the previous installation instructions. Regents with an earlier DOM should use the older manual unless otherwise specified. Instruction manuals for all Britax products may be found here.
May 10
NHTSA, the CPSC, and Evenflo is recalling the Embrace infant seat because the handle can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip and toss the baby onto the ground. There have been 679 reports of the handle on the car seat/carriers unexpectedly releasing, injuring 160 children. These injuries include a skull fracture, two concussions, cuts, scrapes and bruises. Models affected were manufactured before April 8, 2006, and begin with the numbers: 317, 320, 397, 398, 540, 548, 549, 550, 556, 597, 598 or 599. For more information on the recall, contact Evenflo at (800) 490-7497 or click here. Because this issue affects the handle only and how the seat is used as a carrier, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is also issuing the recall.
March 30
A child passenger safety technician on her way home from a safety conference (the Lifesavers Conference) was forced by a US Airways flight attendant to gate check her infant seat and hold her 7 month old baby on the last leg of her trip, even though she had bought the baby his own ticket. The flight attendant insisted a rear-facing child seat was not allowed to be used on the plane, going against FAA and US Airways regulations (Rear-facing child restraints are allowed on front-facing airplane seats. The confusion comes from FAs misunderstanding the regulations that child restraints are not allowed on rear-facing airplane seats, like those the FAs sit on during take-off and landing.). US Airways reimbursed the tech for her baby's ticket price and for the infant seat, which could have been damaged in the cargo hold during the plane flight. The infant seat was donated to a child passenger safety training program. To read more about the story, click here. For links on air travel with children, click here.
March 26
Lifesavers news: Britax has discontinued production of the Fisher Price line of car seats. Britax representatives report that retailers were hesitant to stock the products on their shelves because they felt consumers expected more from a "Britax" product. Evenflo will be introducing a new Triumph and Titan recertified to 50 lbs. The weight limits will not be retroactive to older seats. Evenflo also now allows all their seats to be used next to side curtain airbags.
March 9
Britax is recalling the Regent Classic cover because of an incorrect label applied to the cover. The model number affected is E9L3998 and was manufactured between December 18, 2006, through January 18, 2007. If you own this seat with this cover made during this time and have registered your seat, Britax will send you a new cover. If you haven't registered the seat, call Britax at 1-888-4Britax or email them the model number, the date of manufacture, and your address to regentcoverreplacement@britaxusa.com . For more information, click here.
February 10
Compass is recalling the I420 because the crotch strap anchor, located on the bottom of the car seat, can come dislodged and not secure a child in a crash. Models affected include: I420 ARD, I420 FUO, I420 MAR, and were manufactured from 5/7/06-5/15/06. For more information on the recall, call Compass at 1-888-899-2229. You can fix the anchor with help from print instructions here or video instructions here in Windows media format or here in QuickTime format.
January 18Consumer Reports is retracting its February 2007 report on infant seats. CR acknowledged that the crash tests represented speeds that were nearly twice what the magazine claimed. For more information, click here.
January 5, 2007Consumer Reports released a report on infant seats that failed 10 of 12 seats it tested. CR crash tested the seats at speeds higher than the federal crash test speed for car seats and used a side impact test that isn't done on car seats in the U.S. If you'd like to read the article, click here. To read CarSeatSite.com's response to the article, click here.
December 18, 2006
A memorial video made by a parent that has over a million hits has created concern over seat belt failure. It's caused a rush to buy higher weight limit harnessed seats and has many wondering if they should be using the lower LATCH anchors in their vehicles instead of the vehicle seat belt. SafetyBeltSafe USA researched seat belt failure from NHTSA's Crashworthiness Data System (CDS), whose data is representative for crashes in the US, for children and found that it is very rare, happening perhaps once or twice a year. Over the past 8 years, seat belt failure was at .05% for children 14 and under with causes ranging from destruction of the seat belt to flailing arms and legs, etc. Harnessing for as long as possible in appropriate seats is the safest thing to do, but remember that lower LATCH anchors and the lower LATCH connectors on car seats have weight limits that must be followed. For more SafetyBeltSafe USA information and safety tips, click here.
November 22
Dorel is recalling the Comfort infant seat because handle trim screws can loosen, resulting in a choking hazard for children. No injuries have been reported so far. Parents and caregivers should continue to use the seat until a repair kit is received. Models affected include: Alpha Elite Comfort Infant Car Seat model numbers 22331 BLA and 22332 RLA, and the Eddie Bauer Comfort Infant Car Seat model numbers 22631 LNG, 22630 AFD, 22630 BAL, 22630 FTM, 22630 HPN, 22630 LRS, and 22630 LKM. The 22630 models are part of the 01726 Eddie Bauer Integrated Travel System. For more information, click here.
Britax is recalling the Boulevard convertible seat model E9L57. Models affected include those manufactured between March 1, 2006 and August 1, 2006. During testing, the tether hook opened which fails to conform to the dynamic performance and child restraint system integrity requirements of FMVSS 213. If the top tether hook opens during a crash, the child restraint could change from an upright to a reclined position increasing the risk of injury to the child. Registered owners will automatically receive labels along with instructions advising caregivers to discontinue use of the top tether when the child reaches 50 lbs. For more information, click here.
September 29
Britax is recalling the Companion infant seat, model E9L14, because of incorrect assembly of the seat. Models affected include those manufactured between October 31, 2003 - June 6, 2004 only. To check if your seat has the defect, click here. If your seat is recalled, Britax will replace the seat and base free of charge. For more information, call Britax at 1-888-427-4829.
Dorel is offering to replace, free of charge, the original version of the Comfort infant seat base for the redesigned version. The design of the original Comfort infant seat base is such that it won't install in most vehicles without slipping out from under the seat belt. This is not a recall. If you own this seat and would like a replacement, click here.
September 3
The Brentwood Town Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia, offers free car seat inspections during mall hours. Certified child restraint system technicians take appointments at 604-298-7314.
July 6
NHTSA is investigating the Evenflo Embrace infant seat after 5 consumer complaints about the carry handle failing. For more information, click here.
February 19, 2006
Transport Canada has issued a public notice warning consumers about Evenflo Big Kid Quantum and Everest Booster Seats manufactured between October 1, 2005 and December 23, 2005. These seats were sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores across Canada. Labeling on the seats say that the boosters may be used at a minimum weight of 30 lbs.; however, Canada regulations require that the minimum weight limit for booster seats be 40 lbs. (18 kg.). Owners of these seats should not use the seats until their children are a minimum of 40 lbs. (18 kg.). For more information, click here.
December 13, 2005
As part of the Evenflo Tribute recall (see October 10 entry below), Evenflo is now replacing all recalled Tribute car seats. Contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 or click here to inquire about a replacement seat.
October 10
Evenflo is recalling all Tribute convertible car seats having model numbers beginning with "378" or "379" that were manufactured between September 8, 2005 and September 22, 2005. The shell of these seats may crack in certain types of crashes. Evenflo is providing a fix to consumers. For more information, contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 or click here.
June 24
Britax is recalling all Super Elite youth seats manufactured between April 2001 through August 2002. After prolonged use, the harness adjuster tab may stick in the open position, allowing the harness to loosen. There have been no injuries or deaths related to this defect. Registered owners will be sent a repair kit on or before July 20. For more information, click here.
May 20
Combi is recalling all Avatar convertible car seats because of failure of the lower LATCH straps in testing (see the March 31 entry below for more information). Consumers should immediately stop using the lower LATCH straps to install the seat and use the vehicle seat belt instead for installation. Combi is working on a fix for the problem, but one currently is not available. For more information, click here.
May 17
NHTSA announced that Dorel (Cosco) is recalling 190,000 Eddie Bauer, Safety 1st, and Cosco Designer 22 infant seats because the harness can loosen and cause injury to a child in a crash. Models affected include: Eddie Bauer: 22-625 AFD GB1B, 22-625 GLC GB1B, 22-625 EDG GB1B, and 22-625 MAC GB1B; Safety 1st: 22-325 CMB GB1B, 22-325 VIN GB1B, 22-325 DTA GB1B, and 22-325 TST GB1B; and Cosco 22-300 JOS GB1B. All seats were manufactured between August 19, 2003, and October 20, 2004. Dorel will be mailing a fix to registered customers. For more information, click here or contact Dorel at 800-881-0570 or at designerrecall@djgusa.com
April 22
Transport Canada has issued a public notice regarding the Dorel Designer 22 and Arriva infant seats sold under the Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer, and Cosco brands. Designer 22 models affected include: 22H65MAC, 22H32CRB, 22H32CMB, 22H32VIN, 22H32MTQ, 22H32JOS. Arriva models include: 22H51THE, 22H09THE, 22H09PAW. All seats were manufactured between January 1, 2004, and October 31, 2004. During normal use, the harness webbing can cause slipping resulting in a loose harness and possible injury to a child in a crash. No injuries have been reported due to this problem and a fix is available from Dorel. For more information, see the public notice or contact Dorel at 800-881-0570.
Consumer Reports released its review of child safety seats in its May 2005 issue and found problems with the Britax Marathon, the Combi Avatar and Tyro, and the Evenflo PortAbout. In testing these seats, CR found that the Britax Marathon overrotated when a 33 lb. test dummy was used when the seat was installed with LATCH; the Combi Tyro overrotated as well with a 22 lb. dummy when installed with LATCH; the LATCH straps on the Combi Avatar broke in 3 tests; and the Evenflo PortAbout infant seat disconnected from its base in 2 tests when installed with LATCH. These seats are safe to use when installed with the vehicle's seat belt instead of LATCH. Combi has issued a statement advising consumers to discontinue using LATCH on their car seats.
March 11
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have found that properly restrained children are 40% less likely to suffer injuries if they are riding in the back seat of a vehicle. A properly restrained child is one who is in a restraint appropriate for the child's age, weight and height. Improperly restrained children were twice as likely to suffer severe injuries in a crash as those who were properly restrained. The study was published in the March 2005 issue of Pediatrics. Click here to read the news article.
February 1, 2005
NHTSA announced that Dorel (Cosco) is recalling the DreamRide car bed for small infants. The recall affects model 22-001FSM manufactured between between December 1, 2003, and April 28, 2004. The DreamRide may continue to be used as a car bed for babies unable to ride in a semi-reclined position because of medical reasons, but the restraint should not be used in the rear-facing position. If a rear-facing infant restraint is needed, Dorel will replace the seat. Contact Dorel at: 866-611-3022 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST. Customers may also send a fax to 800-207-8182 or e-mail DJG: dreamride@djgusa.com