SAFETY SQUAD BLOG

Recall Notification: Dorel Juvenile Group, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi, and Safety 1st Child Restraint System Center Front Adjuster Recall

You may remember that we helped call attention to this problem back in March 2010. Here's the original story.  It looks DJG has finally issued a recall. Please contact Dorel and take any action required if your seat is included. The information is below. We will give you more information when we get it. Here is a link to the notification on Dorel's website.

HTSA Campaign ID Number: 11C001

Synopsis:
DJG is recalling certain infant, convertible, and booster child restraint systems which were sold both as stand alone seats or part of a travel system (with stroller). Child restraint systems included in this recall begin with model numbers 22077, 22078, 22148, 22149, 22150, 22152, 22154, 22155, 22158, 22159, 22172, 22177, 22178, 22185, 22188, 22195, 22356, 22371, 22372, 22412, 22439, 22452, 22453, 22456, 22458, 22459, 22462, 22465, 22469, 22476, 22486, 22546, 22547, 22553, 22554, 22561, 22564, 22567, 22574, 22580, 22657, 22740, 22741, 22755, 22758, 22759, 22790, 22799, 22880, 22560, 22346, 17439, 22449, 22475, and IC072, manufactured from May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009. The harness locking and release button does not always return to its locked position. A button that is not in the locked position can allow the harness adjustment strap to slip back through the adjuster as a child moves around in the seat and results in a loose harness. In the event of a vehicle crash, the child may not be adequately protected and is at an increased risk for injury. Registered owners will receive a free remedy kit consisting of a small tube of non-toxic, food-grade lubricant to be applied to the center front adjuster (CFA) to prevent sticking and allow it to properly engage the CFA strap. Instructions on how to apply the lubricant will be provided, along with a label to indicate that the repair has been completed. Non-registered owners should contact DJG at 1-866-623-3139 or by email at harnessadjustment@djgusa.com. Consumers will need the entire model number on the child restraint when contacting the manufacturer.

For more information for this particular recall, please go to 11C001.

Thank you,

Recalls Subscription Team 
Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

 

BuckleBuddy.Org

 

 

Alderman Wants Retailers to Carry Part of Car Seat Safety Burden

The Chicago City Council on Wednesday will consider a proposal aimed at getting parents expert help when it comes to wrestling the alligator that is a child car safety seat.

An estimated 83.9 percent of child car seats are not installed correctly, potentially exposing children to serious risk.

"The scary part about that is when parents are polled, 96 percent of parents think their car seat is in correctly," according to Steve Breden, a certified child passenger safety technician.

Those numbers inspired Ald. James Balcer (11th) to introduce an ordinance that would require any retailer selling child car seats to post an informational flyer with 20 feet of the car seat that is for sale. The flyer would provide parents with a phone number and a website where they can access a certified child passenger safety technician who can install a seat or answer questions about the process.

He said the legislation, which passed through subcommittee last week, would save frustration and lives.

"One thousand children are dying each year [and ]184,000 are injured. I felt something had to be done," he said.

But the measure is opposed by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, which said the idea would put stores on a slippery slope.

"The concern we have is that somehow the responsibility for educating consumers on the proper way to install a car seat has fallen on the retailers," said IRMA Senior Counsel Tanya Triche. "So you can imagine a certain percentage of our store being taken up with 'educational' sort of signs. So that's an issue for us."

Balcer took IRMA to task upon hearing the comments.

"Shame on them. It's a slippery slope. Fine, let it keep sliding. Whatever it takes to save the lives of children, to prevent children from being injured -- I'm all for that," he said.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/chicago-car-seat-ordinance-95890004.html#ixzz0qJbfG8f9

Thoughts from Lifesavers 2010 in Philadelphia

Lifesavers 2010 is in the books.

First off, we're always thankful for the friends, colleagues and experts we spend time with at Lifesavers. You're crucial in shaping the message we deliver to parents about keeping children safe.  

Next, there were a few important themes we would like to highlight from this year's event. These represent emerging trends, needs and changes in philosophy relating to child passenger safety.  - We are starting to see real cooperation between retailers and CPS technicians in some cities.  This is important as stores are key places to capture parents' attention and deliver the much needed message of appropriate restraint usage.

Children benefit tremendously from police officers being car seat awareness trained. This is especially true in states which have laws addressing appropriate restraint use as opposed to just general use. Officers can't write tickets and save lives if they don't recognize misuse. 

Car seat law offender programs require clear goals. Appropriate measures must be enacted to achieve those goals. Car seat laws are useless if they are not enforced. Violators habits remain the same if they have no incentive to change.

Safety 1st Vantage Investigation on NBC

 As part of this NBC Report, Safety Squad's Tom McQueen Investigated the seats in question:

A Chicago father's home video that apparently shows the failure of multiple child safety seats is getting some high-level attention.

Initially, Bryan Dussault said he wasn't surprised when he took a call last fall from his mother-in-law, who reported having difficulty with one of the straps on the Safety First Vantage Booster Car Seat, made by Dorel Juvenile Group of Columbus, Indiana.

That changed when he inspected the seat himself and found that it was impossible to secure a child in the seat because the strap wouldn't hold.

"I had a little bit of a tough time with the strap. Ultimately, I got it adjusted, but then was able to pull the harness loose without touching the levers again. That told me something was really wrong," Dussault said.

Making matters worse, he was able to duplicate the problem on another car seat of the same make and model that was in his own car.

5 Questions with Josh of Baby Solutions

We'd like you to get to know Josh Berliant. He's the founder of Baby Solutions, Safety Squad's preferred childproofer since 2007. We sat down with him to deliver some childproofing basics to parents.

Safety Squad: When should parents begin thinking about childproofing?

Josh: It really is never too soon to begin the babyproofing process. Parents should start thinking about babyproofing even before they give birth to the child.  Its a great time to evaluate the safety of your home and furnishings, while you still have your sanity.  Waiting until your child begins to crawl is a mistake.

Safety Squad: What advice do you have for first time parents new to babyproofing?

Josh: Advice I would give new parents is that all products are not created equally.  Many of the products on the market can do more harm than good.  A professional can really help to ensure you are using quality products.

Wear Your Seat Belt.. because we don't live in a fantasy world

Have a fire alarm system? Okay good, now call 911.

Many people make assumptions about how they will, or should respond in a fire. One assumption is that if you have a built-in fire alarm system in your home, you don't have to call 911. This is not true.

If you have an automatic alarm system (and it's working), the system/service will notify the fire department that a detector in the home is activated. This will generate, in most jurisdictions, an automatic alarm response which is usually 1-2 vehicles (compared to 4+). Most automatic alarm calls are false alarms (for a number of reasons).  Usually, fire departments will respond with the same speed as a 911 "Report of Fire", but mentally many firefighters' first thought when they hear automatic alarm is "it's probably a false alarm".  As a result, the firefighters while responding quickly, often are not as mentally prepared to battle as they would be for 911 "Report of Fire". This is definitely true for me too.

I know that making assumptions about automatic alarms has killed many firefighters, but my experience also tells me that false alarms are extremely common.

Safety Squad suggests calling 911 always... either after you've escaped danger or if you're trapped.  First, You will at least double the number of firefighters responding (because 911 knows it's bonafide). Second, the firefighters responding to a "Report of Fire" assume it IS a fire and not a false alarm. Third, if you are trapped, you can communicate to 911 where you are, how many people are in the home and any information that may help firefighters find you.

When we know that people are trapped, the level of alarm escalates, our determination rises and given a place to look, we will walk through walls to find you.

Maxi Cosi Recall: February 5, 2010

The Maxi Cosi Mico had been recalled again. We're well aware of this issue and will post a video soon showing you what's wrong.  Check out the recall information below. Safety Squad Home Clients being notified.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 10C001

Synopsis:
Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) is recalling certain Maxi-Cosi Mico infant child restraint systems, models 22-371 HFL, JUC, LMD, PNG, and ORE; 22-372 TTH; and Maxi-Cosi Mico infant child restraint system - base only, model 22-515 BLK, produced from February 18, 2008 through June 28, 2008. Interference between the mounting bracket and the base caused by warping of the base or inadequate mating between the shell and the base mounting bracket can result in difficulty attaching or detaching the shell from the base. If the shell is improperly mounted to the base, the child could be injured in the event of a crash. DJG will notify all registered owners and will send a remedy kit consisting of two base springs, a hex wrench, and instructions for the base spring replacement. The repair kit is free of charge. The safety campaign is expected to begin on or about February 5, 2010. Owners may contact DJG at 1-877-657-9546.

For more information for this particular recall, please go to 10C001.

Previous Recall Post from July

Car Seat Saves Child in Fire: Part #1

Last week, 5 people died in a raging fire in Brooklyn, NY.  It's hard to see the positive, until we look at the lessons learned.  We will expand on this post in coming days, but wanted to focus on one aspect of the rescue.

A two-month old infant was dropped out of a 3rd floor window to the ground below and lived. In a frenzy the infant was placed in a car seat before being dropped. While the baby sustained injuries, it will survive.

In later posts, we'll discuss Smoke Detectors, Escape Ladders and the 411 on dialing 911, but first we're going to talk about that car seat.  As firefighters, we know that regardless of economic, cultural or geographical factors, parents and their children become trapped in their homes just like this family.

Lesson #1: You CAN use a car seat to lower children to safety.  Even in the most prepared household... one with fire ladders on all floors, few parents ever consider how they'll get their children (especially 2 and under) down their ladders. Climbing down escape ladders is not easy. By using an infant carrier or toddler seat w/rope attached, parents can safely lower a child to safety before they climb down the escape ladder.

Now, the car seat is not intended for this, but if you secure a baby "correctly" (more on this later) in the 5-point harness and secure the rope securely (before the fire), your family may be in a safer position.

At fires, I carry rope in my fire coat. I know that in some fires I won't have time to tie off before I jump, but having it gives me options. The same is true with a car seat and rope. Finally, this should not be your first method of escape for parents with infants/children. If you can escape another way, do that. This post will be evolving, so let us know your questions.

Blog Upgrade In-Progress

Hey Everyone!  In 2010, we're going to be posting more often and on a wider array of family safety topics.  We are also going to be moving to video on a good portion of posts.  Our new store will highlight the products we recommend.  We use these products every day and know they work.  If you have suggestions, let us know!    Thanks, Brooks and Steve