When you’re leaving the hospital with your newborn, you have so much on your mind. The thought of bringing this tiny human home can be overwhelming. But what if you buckle your baby into their car seat only to find out it’s a counterfeit and not the reliable safety gear you thought you purchased? Child safety experts are saying this issue is becoming alarmingly common.
“We’re encountering this situation more frequently,” shares Sarah Thompson, an injury prevention specialist at Sunshine Health Children’s Hospital. She often checks to ensure parents have installed their car seats correctly before heading home with their little ones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t provided specific statistics on the number of car seats that do not meet safety standards. However, pediatric injury professionals have started discussing this issue more frequently over the past few years, notes Dr. Mark Robinson, a pediatric emergency medicine expert at Yale.
How Do Counterfeit Car Seats Make It to the Market?
They can often slip through the cracks due to online sales or unregulated retailers. To avoid purchasing an unsafe car seat, here are some tips:
- Always buy from a reputable retailer, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Look for labels that indicate compliance with safety standards.
- Inspect the car seat for any signs of poor quality or missing parts.
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In summary, counterfeit car seats are a growing concern, and it’s essential to verify that your car seat meets safety standards before use. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your little one is safe while traveling.