Handle failures on car seat/carriers raise warning flags

NHTSA opened an investigation on handle failures with the Dorel car seat/carriers in August. I was surprised, however, to learn that the CPSC seemed unaware that NHTSA was investigating an issue that would normally fall under the CSPC's authority. I brought this to the CPSC's attention and suggested that they might want to contact NHTSA about that agency's investigation. Last week, CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson gave us kudos for bringing this to his agency's attention.  "The information brought to the CPSC by Consumer Reports helped put CPSC in a position to carry out a joint recall with NHTSA that allows us to notify a greater number of people about the problems with the Dorel products," he told us.

The handles on the carrier portion of car seat travel systems have historically been problematic. By our count, there have been 11.7 million car seat/carriers recalled since 1997 due to handle failures. The CPSC reported that that were at least 629 injuries associated with the recalled products but it's likely that significantly more injuries have gone unreported. In most cases, the injuries occurred when the handle of the carrier unexpectedly released or broke loose, causing an unharnessed baby to fall. Many suffered severe injuries including skull fractures and concussions, as well as cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

One thing is clear: The ASTM standard that covers hand-held infant carriers does not adequately address handle failures or sudden, unexpected handle latch release.  ASTM is currently working on strengthening the standard. Although the ASTM standard is currently voluntary, this product may wind up being regulated by the CPSC in the future. In the meantime, parents should make sure to always use the harness system on the carrier to prevent a baby from accidentally being dumped out in the event of handle release. In addition, make sure that, when used as a carrier, the handle is securely latched on both sides and that there is no missing or loose hardware in the handle attachment.

"Parents should be aware of all recalls of these products and the recalled products should not be sold in a second-hand market including yard sales, thrift stores and online," said Wolfson. "The head injuries associated with these recalled products are very severe."

—Marc Perton