How to Handle Car Seat Recalls

Car seat recalls are not unusual, so you should know how to handle them in order to keep your children safe and protected. Stay calm and find out exactly what you need to do to provide your child with a safe car seat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove a recalled car seat from all vehicles so you aren't tempted to use it for a quick trip.

2. Call the toll free telephone number provided with the recall notification to find out if you can use additional hardware to make the car seat safe, or if the entire car seat needs to be replaced.

3. Visit the Consumer Protection Agency's website to find out if the car seat can be made safe or needs to be replaced, and how to go about obtaining the hardware you need.

4. Provide the car seat manufacturer with your mailing address so you can receive the hardware you need to use the car seat safely.

5. Ask the manufacturer if any local retailers will have the hardware on hand, which will save you mailing time and allow you to use the seat sooner.

6. Mail the car seat back to the manufacturer or return it to the retail location where you purchased it if the car seat needs to be replaced. Most retailers will accept the recalled car seat and give you an in-store credit so you can purchase a new one that's safe.

Resources

• The Consumer Protection Agency