CAR SEAT AND CRIB SAFETY
A car seat cannot be accepted if it:
- Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Many manufacturers recommend that car safety seats only be used for a certain number of years. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long the company recommends using their seat.
- Has any visible cracks in the frame of the seat.
- Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
- Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat. You can get a copy of the instruction manual by contacting the manufacturer or looking on the Internet.
- Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
- Is a shield booster. Although shield boosters are still around, the AAP recommends against their use. Major injuries have occurred to children in shield boosters. The only time shield boosters should be used is if the shield is removed and the seat is used with a lap and shoulder belt as described previously.
- Was recalled.
You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the following:
- Auto Safety Hotline: Toll-free: 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm
Use the following list of CPSC guidelines to determine whether your old crib is safe to use.
- The mattress should be firm and tight-fitting.
- There should be no missing or broken hardware or slats.
- Slats should be no more than 23/8" apart (about the width of a soda can).
- Corner posts should not be higher than 1/16".
- There should be no design cutouts in the headboard or footboard.
- CPSC's website, www.cpsc.gov