Booster Seat Recall

Last week, OXO and the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on Nest Booster Seats. This recall is in response to claims that the restraint strap stitching can loosen, which would separate those belts from the seat. If this were to happen while a child was in the booster seat, it would pose a fall hazard. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the safety seat defect, but OXO has received several complaint reports. The specific Nest Booster Seat involved in the recall comes in pink, taupe, green, and orange (each with a white base). To determine whether your booster seat is include in the recall, check the sticker on the bottom of the seat for model numbers 6367200, 6367300, 6367500, or 6367400. Only those seats manufactured from July through December of 2014 have been included in the recall. The recalled booster seats would have been sold at a variety of specialty stores from September 2014-April 2015, including Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us, Amazon.com, and buybuy Baby. If your booster seat is included in the recall, cease use immediately and contact OXO at (800) 545-4411 for repairs.

Facts About Booster Seats

Many of us remember riding unrestrained in the back of the family vehicle when we were children. Fortunately, safety standards have increased dramatically since that time and we know now that this type of travel was dangerous.

Automobile travel is much more common than it was ten years ago, so car seats should be used correctly. Although injuries and deaths as a result of auto accidents have decreased in number as seat belts and child safety seats have become more common, motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for children ages three and over. So, it is imperative that parents and guardians educate themselves on proper child safety restraint procedures.

Just because a child outgrows their forward-facing car seats does not mean they are ready to travel only wearing a seat belt. Booster seats elevate children so that seat belts fit their small bodies safely. If you’re not sure if your child is ready to graduate to a booster seat, consider the following factors:

• Forward-facing harnessed car seats list height and weight limits. Once your child outgrows those limits, it is time for a booster seat.
• If your child’s shoulders rest above the top harness slots in the forward-facing car seat, they have outgrown the seat.
• Your child’s ears should not reach the top of the forward-facing car seat. Once they do, it is time to graduate to a booster seat.

There are a variety of factors to consider when determining if your child is ready for a booster seat. It is your responsibility as their guardian to make these decisions, as well as keep up with product recalls that may affect your child’s well-being. For more information about the OXO booster seat recall, visit www.cpsc.gov.