Just because car seat accessories are available for purchase doesn’t mean they’re safe or advisable. In a harrowing incident near Atlanta, Georgia, a mother named Emily Carter shared her experience when her two-month-old daughter, Lily, was involved in a serious accident. The van flipped over multiple times, and Lily was ejected from her car seat, suffering only minor injuries, including a hairline fracture in her arm.
After the accident, Emily was stunned to discover that two aftermarket sheepskin harness covers likely contributed to Lily’s ejection. These covers may have altered the position of the chest buckle and created a slippery surface that facilitated the accident. Emily took to Facebook to raise awareness, and her post quickly garnered over 140,000 shares. She cautioned parents, “Please, please, please do not add anything to a car seat that didn’t come with it from the manufacturer. Anything extra can void the warranty! We learned this the hard way, and I thank God every day that she’s okay. They might look cute, but for your child’s safety, it’s not worth it.”
Emily emphasized two crucial points: aftermarket accessories can compromise car seat safety, and their use can void warranties. This means that, in the event of an accident, proving the car seat is defective, obtaining reimbursement or replacement, or pursuing legal action against the manufacturer becomes much more challenging.
Many new parents mistakenly believe that products sold in stores are automatically safe. However, car seats undergo rigorous testing, and modifying their design can affect their performance. The Car Seat Lady extensively discusses these risks, particularly highlighting the dangers of “fluff”—anything added to a car seat that wasn’t originally included, excluding your child. Fluff can lead to loose harness straps, improper positioning, and increased ejection risk during a crash.
Harmful Aftermarket Products
Annie King from Autobytel.com outlined several harmful aftermarket products that could diminish car seat effectiveness, including:
- Harness covers, which can change the chest buckle’s position.
- Headrests, which may alter head positioning during a crash.
- Newborn body swaddlers, which can affect seating position and increase ejection risk.
- Car seat covers, which can interfere with installation.
- Attachable toys and mirrors that can become dangerous projectiles.
- Seat protectors that might alter car seat base installation.
- Angle adjusters that can affect the car seat’s fit.
Emily was featured in an interview with WSB-TV Atlanta, where she collaborated with a car seat safety expert to spread awareness about the perils of aftermarket accessories. “You should never add anything to a car seat that doesn’t come with it. It’s not crash-tested with the car seat,” said Johanna Martinez, a child safety expert from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
For parents, the best approach is to thoroughly read the directions (and warranty) that accompany the car seat before use. Professional inspections, often available for free at places like fire stations, are highly recommended. Additionally, registering your car seat ensures you receive important recall information if defects arise.
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In summary, parents must be cautious about aftermarket car seat accessories, as they can significantly jeopardize child safety and void warranties. Always prioritize safety by using products designed for your car seat and seeking professional advice when needed.
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