Baby Bargains Book Blog

Docs make it official: keep kids rear-facing to age 2

The American Academy of Pediatrics is making it official: you should keep your child rear-facing until age 2.

As you may remember from 2009, the AAP issued a report advising the 2 year old rule:

Recent data shows why toddlers between ages 12 and 23 months who ride rear-facing in a car safety seat are more than five times safer than those riding forward-facing in a seat.

Previously, the AAP only said babies should be rear-facing to age 1. 

By issuing a formal "policy statement," the pediatrician group makes this recommendation official. The AAP notes that car crashes are still a major cause of injury to small children.

What about concerns for kids being uncomfortable riding rear-facing? Would their feet or legs be injured in a crash? The AAP says this is a common concern, but not supported by any evidence.The benefits of riding rear-facing outweigh concerns about leg injuries.

The good news: more car seats today have rear-facing limits that go to 40 lbs and beyond. That will make it easier to follow this advice; older seats had such low limits it was hard to keep a child rear-facing behind a year.  

RECALL: Dorel Recalling Nearly 800,000 Child Safety Seats For Safety Harness Issue

Sticking Release Button May Allow Safety Harness Straps to Loosen

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) is recalling 794,247 child safety seats because the harness locking and release button does not always return to its locked position. A button that is not in the locked position can allow the harness adjustment strap to slip back through the adjuster as a child moves around in the seat and results in a loose harness, increasing the risk of being injured a crash

DJG said the problem involves certain restraint systems manufactured from May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009, which have a “Center Front Adjuster” (CFA) for the harness. These include infant, convertible, and booster child restraint systems which were sold both as stand-alone seats or part of a travel system (with a stroller).

Click here to view more information from Dorel about the recall, including a complete list of the models being recalled.

DJG said it intends to provide consumers with a remedy kit consisting of a small tube of non-toxic, food-grade lubricant to be applied to the CFA to prevent sticking and allow it to properly engage the CFA strap. Instruction on how to apply the lubricant will be provided, along with a label to indicate that the repair has been completed.

Until the remedy has been applied, consumers can continue to use the seats, however, parents and caregivers should make sure the harness is properly adjusted and the lock/release button is fully in the locked position. After adjustment, pull on the shoulder part of the harness to make sure it is secure and does not loosen.

NHTSA began a formal investigation of this issue on March 5, 2010, and indicated it would continue to keep the investigation open to further evaluate the adequacy of the recall scope.

Consumers who want more information about this recall should contact the manufacturer directly at 1 866-623-3139 or via email toharnessadjustment@djgusa.com.

Consumers are reminded that they can get additional information about all child safety seat recalls, and recalls for all vehicle makes and models as well as tires at NHTSA’s safety web site: www.safercar.gov. Consumers can also sign up at this site to receive free, automated electronic notification of specific vehicle, child seat and tire recalls as soon as they are announced.

 

Reader: Britax Roundabout 55 disappoints, hard to adjust straps

Reader Mark W. writes in today with a critique of the new Britax Roundabout 55. Has anyone else had a problem adjusting the straps on this new seat? Here's his story:

Hello,

I want to first start off and tell you how much my wife and I enjoy your books.  We have Baby Bargains, Baby 411, and Toddler 411.  We always find them very educational with a twist of comedy thrown in.  They are a huge help to new parents.

I am writing with a review/question.  I just recently purchased the Britax Roundabout 55 and am extremely disappointed in the seat.  I purchased the seat after we have been using a Roundabout 50 in my wife's car and have loved it.  The issue is that it is extremely difficult to properly tighten your child into the seat.  You have to pull and lean all your weight into the tightening strap to get the harness to the proper tightness.  

I have gone through extreme measures to figure out if I am doing something wrong.  I took the seat out of the car and checked for twists in the harness.  I also took the seat out to make sure the strap was not rubbing on anything.  As a last resort, I called Britax and they sent me an entire new seat to try.  Unfortunately, the new seat performed the exact same way.  I called and spoke with a Britax technician that explained the locking mechanism had been redesigned, but they have received no complaints.  I also cannot find any complaints online.  Have you guys heard anything or am I the only one having this issue?

Right now I am planning on returning both of my Roundabout 55 seats and going hunting for a Roundabout 50 that may be in stock somewhere.  Just wanted to give my feedback and thoughts.  On a different note, Britax customer service has been very nice to work with and responsive.

Thanks,

Mark

 

RECALL: Britax Chaperone infant car seat

Child Restraint Brand Name / Model or Model No.:     Production Dates:     CHAPERONE / E9L69N9 (MOONSTONE)     APR 11, 2009 - MAY 31, 2010     CHAPERONE / E9L69P2 (RED MILL)     APR 11, 2009 - MAY 31, 2010     CHAPERONE / E9L69P3 (SAVANNAH)     APR 11, 2009 - MAY 31, 2010     CHAPERONE / E9L69P5 (COWMOOFLAGE)     APR 11, 2009 - MAY 31, 2010 Manufacturer: BRITAX CHILD SAFETY, INC. Mfr's Report Date: OCT 25, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10C006000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: CHILD SEAT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 17251

Summary:   BRITAX IS RECALLING CERTAIN BRITAX CHAPERONE INFANT CAR SEATS MODEL E9L69N9 MOONSTONE, E9L69P2 RED MILL, E9L69P3 SAVANNAH, AND E9L69P5 COWMOOFLAGE, MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2009 THROUGH MAY 2010. THE CHEST CLIP WAS INCORRECTLY PRODUCED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A MORE BRITTLE CHEST CLIP THAN WAS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CHEST CLIP WHICH POSITIONS THE HARNESS STRAPS ACROSS THE INFANT'S SHOULDERS MAY BREAK WHEN THE CHEST CLIP IS ENGAGED AS THE INFANT IS SECURED INTO THE INFANT CAR SEAT.

Consequence:   THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BROKEN CHEST CLIP COULD CREATE A RISK OF A SKIN LACERATION AND THE FRACTURED COMPONENTS OF THE CHEST CLIP MAY PRESENT A SMALL PARTS/CHOKING HAZARD.

Remedy:   BRITAX WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS NOTICE AND REMEDY KITS THAT CONTAIN A REPLACEMENT CHEST CLIP AND INSTRUCTION SHEET. THE SAFETY CAMPAIGN IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRITAX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-427-4829.

Notes:   OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

 

RECALL: Evenflo Maestro car seats

Make: EVENFLO

Models: 310 (MAESTRO)

Production Dates: November 24, 2009 - April 10, 2010

Noncompliance: EVENFLO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MAESTRO CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS WITH MODEL NUMBERS BEGINNING WITH 310 AND BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 24, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, "CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A CRACK MAY FORM AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT ADJACENT TO THE HARNESS ADJUSTER CAUSING THE CHILD NOT TO BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Corrective Action: EVENFLO WILL PROVIDE OWNERS AND CARE GIVERS A REINFORCEMENT PLATE ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EVENFLO TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-233-5921.

Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TOHTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

NHTSA No.: 10C005000

 

Review: New Britax seats earn top recommendation

As we reported earlier this summer, Britax has launched a new generation of its best-selling seats: the Roundabout, Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate. 

Now that the seats have been on the market for about a month, we are ready to issue our recommendation: the new Britax seats will earn our top rating in our next BABY BARGAINS book. 

Here's a quick overview:

• The seats now have higher weight limits: the Roundabout is 55, Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate are 70. All the seats are now rear-facing to 40 lbs---that is fantastic, as it will help parents keep babies rear-facing longer.

• The new safety features include deeper side walls for side-impact protection and foam that lines the entire seat. The redesigned shell features new technology (SafeCell) to absorb more energy in a crash. 

• Prices are the same as the old seats: fortunately, Britax isn't raising prices on the new seats.

Feedback from our readers on the new seats has been positive (although limited, as the seats are still rather new). Feel free to post your comments below or email us.

Overall, these convertible seats will earn our highest rating. From little touches like covers that now easily remove for cleaning to improved belt paths and LATCH attachments, these Britax seats are winners.

Britax to launch revamped car seat line in August

In its first major update in years, Britax plans to roll out a "next generation" series of car seats to replace their current offerings in August. 

The seats will feature new technology to lower the risk of head injury to a child in an accident---the "safe cell" design will absorb more energy in a crash, resulting less movement of the seat. Integrated steel bar frames will replace Britax's current plastic frames, to provide more strength.

We got a sneak peak at Britax's seats before they were debuted to the juvenile industry earlier this month. Here are some key notes:

• The new seats will sport higher weight limits but the same names as the old seats. Hence the Roundabout 50 will now be the Roundabout 55; the Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate will now work to 70 pounds. 
• Prices will stay the same, which is a surprise. Typically, when a company upgrades technology, the price rises. Kudos to Britax for holding the line on pricing.
• The seats will feature deeper side walls (2") for enhanced side impact protection.
• New EPP foam will run the entire seat. Current Britax seats only have foam at the top of the shell. The more expensive seats will have more layers of foam: Marathon will have 2 layers, Boulevard three, Advocate four.
• All Britax seats will go to 40 pounds rear-facing. And with a top weight of 70 pounds for all but the Roundabout, the average Britax seat will now be able to fit a six year old child with a five-point harness.
• For newborns, Britax will have a new lower harness position (9") to better accommodate small infants.
• The belt paths and LATCH systems have also been improved. All but the Roundabout will feature an auto adjusting harness height (no rethreading) and a quick-adjust head restraint.
• Also new: the seats will have covers that easily remove for cleaning.

So, what if you are in the market for a convertible car seat this summer? If you can, we'd wait for these newer seats to arrive in August. We will have full reviews of the seats when they hit the market.

Whoops! Jumped the gun on Britax's new seats

Hi there folks. Last week we posted a preview of Britax's new car seats, which will launch August 16. We got a special sneak peak at the seats in April and our agreement with Britax was not to discuss them to after their debut to retailers in May. 

However, apparently we didn't get the memo that Britax changed its press embargo on the info to June 28. So while there is chatter about the new seats on car seat message boards, we'll ice our official post on the seats until that time. 

Meanwhile, if you are in the market for a seat and need one now, we'd suggest going by our current recommendations. If you can wait until mid-August, however, then the new seats would be worth the wait!

Sorry about the confusion on this.

RECALL: Maxi Cosi Mico infant car seats

Child Restraint Brand Name / Model or Model No.:     Production Dates:     MAXI-COSI / 22-371 HFL     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008     MAXI-COSI / 22-371 JUC     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008     MAXI-COSI / 22-371 LMD     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008     MAXI-COSI / 22-371 ORE     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008     MAXI-COSI / 22-371 PNG     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008     MAXI-COSI / 22-372 TTH     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008     MAXI-COSI / 22-515 BLK     FEB 18, 2008 - JUN 28, 2008 Manufacturer: DOREL JUVENILE GROUP Mfr's Report Date: FEB 03, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10C001000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: CHILD SEAT:BASE (INFANT)

Potential Number of Units Affected: 22850

Summary:   DOREL JUVENILE GROUP (DJG) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MAXI-COSI MICO INFANT CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, MODELS 22-371 HFL, JUC, LMD, PNG, AND ORE; 22-372 TTH; AND MAXI-COSI MICO INFANT CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM - BASE ONLY, MODEL 22-515 BLK, PRODUCED FROM FEBRUARY 18, 2008 THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008. INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND THE BASE CAUSED BY WARPING OF THE BASE OR INADEQUATE MATING BETWEEN THE SHELL AND THE BASE MOUNTING BRACKET CAN RESULT IN DIFFICULTY ATTACHING OR DETACHING THE SHELL FROM THE BASE.

Consequence:   IF THE SHELL IS IMPROPERLY MOUNTED TO THE BASE, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy:   DJG WILL NOTIFY ALL REGISTERED OWNERS AND WILL SEND A REMEDY KIT CONSISTING OF TWO BASE SPRINGS, A HEX WRENCH, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BASE SPRING REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIR KIT IS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY CAMPAIGN IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DJG AT 1-877-657-9546.

Notes:   OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TOHTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Dorel, NHTSA recall 10 year old car seats for defective webbing

Report Date : January 18, 2010 at 12:18 PM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 02C026000

Manufacturer: DOREL JUVENILE GROUP Mfr's Report Date: APR 10, 2002 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 02C026000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: CHILD SEAT Potential Number of Units Affected: 3957826 Summary:   ON CERTAIN DOREL JUVENILE GROUP (DJG) CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2000, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, THE TETHER WEBBING FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE ABRASION REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, "CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS." Consequence:   IF THE WEBBING IS EXPOSED TO A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ABRASION, IT COULD DEGRADE. IF THE WEBBING DEGRADES MORE THAN PERMITTED BY THE STANDARD, IT MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT PROTECTION TO A CHILD IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD. Remedy:   DJG'S PETITION FOR RELIEF FROM REMEDY BASED ON ITS BELIEF THAT THE NONCOMPLIANCE WAS INCONSEQUENTIAL TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY WAS DENIED BY NHTSA ON JANUARY 5, 2010. ACCORDINGLY, DJG WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. IT WILL NOTIFY REGISTERED OWNERS AND PROVIDE FREE REPLACEMENT KITS FOR THE TETHER ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 2, 2010. OWNERS MAY CALL DJG TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-690-2539. Notes:   OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV . Child Restraint Brand Name / Model or Model No.:     Production Dates:     COSCO / ALPHA/OMEGA 02332     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / ALPHA/OMEGA 02531     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / ALPHA/OMEGA 02533     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / ALPHA/OMEGA 02537     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / ALPHA/OMEGA 02555     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02409     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02442     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02443     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02445     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02448     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02449     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02450     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02480     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / HI BACK 02495     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02014     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02015     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02019     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02084     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02094     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02114     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02504     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02514     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02518     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02519     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02524     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02584     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02803     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02806     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02821     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02825     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 02935     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 93084     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 93094     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     COSCO / TOURIVA 93514     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     EDDIE BAUER / HI BACK 02849     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     EDDIE BAUER / HI BACK 02880     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     EDDIE BAUER / TOURIVA 02870     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     EDDIE BAUER / TOURIVA 02871     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001     EDDIE BAUER / TOURIVA 02875     JAN 01, 2000 - SEP 30, 2001 Notes:   OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .