But before you plunk down your money, know this: car seat experts say that unless that liner or cover came with your car seat when you bought it, there’s no guarantee it’s safe. “As a general rule, if the car seat manufacturer did not provide the liner or cover specifically for use with your seat, don’t use it,” says Nathaniel Washatka, Cincinnati Children’s Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech and a Project Specialist at Buckle Up for Life. The reason: car seat manufacturers don’t crash-test their seats with all the various after-market products in stores. As a result no one knows how these items will react in a collision. And liners present other concerns as well. More from The Stir: 9 Dangerous Car Seat Mistakes Parents Make & How to Fix Them “In order to work properly, the car seat’s harness straps need to hold your child securely in the seat,” Washatka explains. “Puffy liners may alter the fit and snugness of those harness straps.” Another potential danger with liners and covers is the fabric. “Car seat manufacturers use special fabrics that have fire retardant fibers on them to protect children in case of a car fire,” Washatka continues. “Some of the fabrics used for covers and lining may have the opposite effect.” Fortunately, many car seats come with optional liners designed to make the seat more comfortable for small children — these have been crash tested and are safe to use. But beyond these pre-approved items, it’s probably best to steer clear. What’s your biggest question or struggle with car seats? Image via jokerpro/shutterstock
title: “Are Car Seat Liners Safe " ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-09” author: “Marian Aucoin”
But before you plunk down your money, know this: car seat experts say that unless that liner or cover came with your car seat when you bought it, there’s no guarantee it’s safe. “As a general rule, if the car seat manufacturer did not provide the liner or cover specifically for use with your seat, don’t use it,” says Nathaniel Washatka, Cincinnati Children’s Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech and a Project Specialist at Buckle Up for Life. The reason: car seat manufacturers don’t crash-test their seats with all the various after-market products in stores. As a result no one knows how these items will react in a collision. And liners present other concerns as well. More from The Stir: 9 Dangerous Car Seat Mistakes Parents Make & How to Fix Them “In order to work properly, the car seat’s harness straps need to hold your child securely in the seat,” Washatka explains. “Puffy liners may alter the fit and snugness of those harness straps.” Another potential danger with liners and covers is the fabric. “Car seat manufacturers use special fabrics that have fire retardant fibers on them to protect children in case of a car fire,” Washatka continues. “Some of the fabrics used for covers and lining may have the opposite effect.” Fortunately, many car seats come with optional liners designed to make the seat more comfortable for small children — these have been crash tested and are safe to use. But beyond these pre-approved items, it’s probably best to steer clear. What’s your biggest question or struggle with car seats? Image via jokerpro/shutterstock
title: “Are Car Seat Liners Safe " ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-07” author: “Delbert Thomas”
But before you plunk down your money, know this: car seat experts say that unless that liner or cover came with your car seat when you bought it, there’s no guarantee it’s safe. “As a general rule, if the car seat manufacturer did not provide the liner or cover specifically for use with your seat, don’t use it,” says Nathaniel Washatka, Cincinnati Children’s Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech and a Project Specialist at Buckle Up for Life. The reason: car seat manufacturers don’t crash-test their seats with all the various after-market products in stores. As a result no one knows how these items will react in a collision. And liners present other concerns as well. More from The Stir: 9 Dangerous Car Seat Mistakes Parents Make & How to Fix Them “In order to work properly, the car seat’s harness straps need to hold your child securely in the seat,” Washatka explains. “Puffy liners may alter the fit and snugness of those harness straps.” Another potential danger with liners and covers is the fabric. “Car seat manufacturers use special fabrics that have fire retardant fibers on them to protect children in case of a car fire,” Washatka continues. “Some of the fabrics used for covers and lining may have the opposite effect.” Fortunately, many car seats come with optional liners designed to make the seat more comfortable for small children — these have been crash tested and are safe to use. But beyond these pre-approved items, it’s probably best to steer clear. What’s your biggest question or struggle with car seats? Image via jokerpro/shutterstock
title: “Are Car Seat Liners Safe " ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-04” author: “Randy Williams”
But before you plunk down your money, know this: car seat experts say that unless that liner or cover came with your car seat when you bought it, there’s no guarantee it’s safe. “As a general rule, if the car seat manufacturer did not provide the liner or cover specifically for use with your seat, don’t use it,” says Nathaniel Washatka, Cincinnati Children’s Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech and a Project Specialist at Buckle Up for Life. The reason: car seat manufacturers don’t crash-test their seats with all the various after-market products in stores. As a result no one knows how these items will react in a collision. And liners present other concerns as well. More from The Stir: 9 Dangerous Car Seat Mistakes Parents Make & How to Fix Them “In order to work properly, the car seat’s harness straps need to hold your child securely in the seat,” Washatka explains. “Puffy liners may alter the fit and snugness of those harness straps.” Another potential danger with liners and covers is the fabric. “Car seat manufacturers use special fabrics that have fire retardant fibers on them to protect children in case of a car fire,” Washatka continues. “Some of the fabrics used for covers and lining may have the opposite effect.” Fortunately, many car seats come with optional liners designed to make the seat more comfortable for small children — these have been crash tested and are safe to use. But beyond these pre-approved items, it’s probably best to steer clear. What’s your biggest question or struggle with car seats? Image via jokerpro/shutterstock
title: “Are Car Seat Liners Safe " ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-02” author: “Jenna Bowden”
But before you plunk down your money, know this: car seat experts say that unless that liner or cover came with your car seat when you bought it, there’s no guarantee it’s safe. “As a general rule, if the car seat manufacturer did not provide the liner or cover specifically for use with your seat, don’t use it,” says Nathaniel Washatka, Cincinnati Children’s Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech and a Project Specialist at Buckle Up for Life. The reason: car seat manufacturers don’t crash-test their seats with all the various after-market products in stores. As a result no one knows how these items will react in a collision. And liners present other concerns as well. More from The Stir: 9 Dangerous Car Seat Mistakes Parents Make & How to Fix Them “In order to work properly, the car seat’s harness straps need to hold your child securely in the seat,” Washatka explains. “Puffy liners may alter the fit and snugness of those harness straps.” Another potential danger with liners and covers is the fabric. “Car seat manufacturers use special fabrics that have fire retardant fibers on them to protect children in case of a car fire,” Washatka continues. “Some of the fabrics used for covers and lining may have the opposite effect.” Fortunately, many car seats come with optional liners designed to make the seat more comfortable for small children — these have been crash tested and are safe to use. But beyond these pre-approved items, it’s probably best to steer clear. What’s your biggest question or struggle with car seats? Image via jokerpro/shutterstock