Uptick in counterfeit car seats raises safety concerns

There has been an uptick in counterfeit car seats in Iowa. UnityPoint Health – Grinnell shares concerns with parents falling victim to fake and potentially hazardous car seats.

“Counterfeit car seats pose a significant threat to the safety of children and infants,” Cherish Hansen, BSN, RNC-MNN, C-EFM, OB nurse manager at UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC), said. “They often lack safety features and fail to meet industry standards. We want to make sure parents are aware this is happening, so they are on the lookout when purchasing a car seat for their little one.”

Signs of a Legitimate Car Seat:

• Check for certification labels: Look for labels that indicate compliance with safety standards. Are there misspellings or grammatical errors?

• Verify manufacturer information: Legitimate car seats are manufactured by reputable companies that adhere to strict safety standards. Always purchase car seats from authorized dealers or the official website of the manufacturer. Make sure the brand, serial number, customer service number and an expiration date are listed on the car seat.

• Chest clip: Nearly every car seat approved for use on the U.S. market has a chest clip except for car beds and boosters.

• Harness straps: U.S. Safety Standards require harness straps to be 1.5 inches wide.

Tips for Consumers:

• Purchase from authorized retailers: Buy car seats only from authorized retailers, reputable stores or the official websites of well-known manufacturers. Also avoid purchasing car seats from garage sales or secondhand places, as you may not know if the car seat has been in a prior car accident.

• Be cautious of unrealistic prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit car seats are often priced significantly lower than genuine products.

“Remain cautious and stay informed when purchasing car seats,” Hansen said. “If you ever are in doubt, reach out to the GRMC OB department at 641-236-2324. Our team is happy to help answer any questions you might have.”