Car Seat Recall Survival Guide

By Jayna Ginny

Whenever you buy a car seat for your child, you should always make sure you stay abreast of all the product recalls that may come up later. You can do this by tuning into the news frequently, or better yet, by visiting websites that will let you know when car seat recalls are in effect.

But what happens if your child's car seat is recalled? What do you do next?

First, visit the website for the recalled seat, or call the toll-free number. The manufacturer will likely have a special webpage or phone line set up strictly for the recall.

You can be sure that whenever there's a recall, car seat companies won't dawdle. They're going to want to make sure your child is safe. Be sure to follow the instructions you get from the website or the phone line.

When you call or visit the website, have your child's car seat handy. You may need a model name (found on the instruction manual) or a serial number.

Don't be surprised if you're advised to keep using the car seat until you get your repair kit in the mail. It's important to remember that in nearly all cases, it's safer for your child to be in a recalled seat than it is for him or her to be in the car without a child safety restraint device.

Here's another tip to stay informed of car seat recalls: Register that car seat with the manufacturer right after you buy it. Much like any other product, car seats come with their own registration cards.

Of course, people usually toss them out. But in this case, it's important to register your car seat so that the company can contact you.

There's no guarantee that the company won't use your address for annoying advertisements, but at least you have the assurance of knowing you'll be contacted if there's a recall.

However, a car seat isn't automatically bad just because of a car seat recall. There are always errors in manufacturing, and when these errors occur in a car seat, the company acts quickly to fix the problem.

If you're still concerned after hearing about a car seat recall, speak to a company representative. They can probably give you peace of mind and might even be able to give you sound advice.

About the Author:
Before you buy a car seat, make sure to visit Car Seat Reviews for in-depth reviews on every brand from Graco Car Seats to Britax Car Seats.