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I just got this email from a Baby Center web site talking about car seats and what is good and not good. Thought you would like to read it
Robin
10 car seats fail new crash tests
Consumer Reports is known for taking safety to the next level, and in its most recent round of testing rear-facing, infant car seats, it went beyond the current federal safety standards for seat performance in a collision. The government tests seats in front crashes of 30 mph, but Consumer Reports simulated front impacts of 35 mph and side impacts of 38 mph (the same standards used for car safety testing). The results in this more stringent environment were dramatic, with 10 of the 12 seats either twisting too far or coming out of their bases. Consumer Reports’ testing also showed serious failings in seats secured by the LATCH system. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) itself calls the LATCH system confusing and Consumer Reports notes that the NHTSA is planning a public hearing on the system later this year.
Here’s how the seats fared in Consumer Reports’ tests:
The Good
Baby Trend Flex-Loc Adjustable Back
Graco Snugride with EPSThe Bad
Chicco KeyFit
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP
Compass I410
Evenflo Embrace
Britax Companion
Graco SafeSeat
Safety 1st Designer
Combi Centre ST
Evenflo Discovery
Eddie Bauer ComfortWhat you can do:
- Read the full Consumer Reports safety alert.
- Tell us what you think of this news: Take our poll.
- Visit our car seat safety bulletin board to talk to other parents about this issue.
- Find a child safety seat inspection station near you to make sure your seat is fastened as securely as possible.
- Check our infant car seat safety article over the coming days for updates on this issue as more information becomes available.
Thanks Robin. Myles and Ellie used to be in a Britax Companion.
Thankfully they are in toddler seats now which I have both seatbelted and latched into the car. I wish these darn carseat manufactures would just get it right already. I always had a bad feeling about those rear facing seats with bases. I think the seats are safer if you use the car’s seat belt instead of the base.
What kind of seat is Abby in?
yes! to rear-facing! jonah was rear facing until 2 & 1/2
here’s a stickied page at http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82232 with lots of carseat info
also: christine, I don’t think it’s safe to do both seatbelt & latch- you’re supposed to do one or the other?
I wish I remember where I copied htis from- I think it was posted over at thebabywearer?
- Any car seat made after 2002 can be installed either with safety belts or the LATCH system in a vehicle made in 2002 or later. Use safety belts or LATCH for an infant, whichever you prefer, but not both. If you’re worried about the performance of LATCH, use the safety belt.
- Read the instructions and follow them carefully. Even if you don’t usually read the instructions for other products, read your car seat owner’s manual cover to cover. Also read the section of your vehicle owner’s manual that deals with occupant protection.
hellbennt2007-1-18 20:29:19
Thanks Laura for the info about using the latch and seat belt together. I can’t really understand why it would be bad, but I guess there must be a reason. I’m so sick of all this carseat crap.
I worry about it way too much. I can’t wait until they are all out of carseats!Thanks for letting us know Robin. As for consumer reports retracting their story….that’s great I guess…unless you routinely drive on Interstates Highways at 75 miles per hour like I do.
Maybe I just worry excessively.
I’m not usre if you can acess this as a guest? if not, let me know & I’ll copy & paste the info here –
here’s a stickied page at http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82232 with lots of carseat info
- Read the full Consumer Reports safety alert.
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