When it comes to car seat design and development, no detail is too small for Chicco. From strategic fabric selection to increased crash testing, Chicco goes above industry standards to deliver durable Registering your car seat is a simple and effective way to receive recall notices directly from the car seat manufacturer. Let’s unpack all the important details that make a world of difference.
Registering your car seat is a simple and important step. It takes just a few minutes but can provide helpful information like:
Product Recall Updates Registering your car seat allows manufacturers to contact you directly with important information related to product recalls.
Registering your car seat is a quick and easy process and only takes a few minutes. Follow along with this step-by-step guide:
1. Locate the Car Seat Information:
Most car seats have a white label on the back, side, or bottom. This label will contain crucial information you'll need to register, including:
- Model Name
- Model Number
- Date of Manufacture
2. Choose Your Registration Method:
There are three convenient ways to register your car seat:
- Online Registration: Many manufacturers offer online registration on their websites. Simply visit the manufacturer's website, locate the car seat registration section (often under "Support" or "Safety"), and follow the prompts. If your car seat is from Chicco, register your car seat here: https://www.chiccousa.com/carseatregistration
- Mail-in Registration: If your car seat came with a registration card, fill it out completely and mail it back using the prepaid envelope or postcard (if provided).
3. Complete the Registration Form:
Regardless of the method you choose, the registration form will typically ask for:
- Your Name and Contact Information
- The Product’s Serial Number
- Car Seat Model Name, Model Number, and Date of Manufacture
- Proof of Purchase (Printed or e-receipt)
4. Submit Your Registration:
Once you've completed the information, submit your registration online, mail the completed card, or call the manufacturer to finalize the process.
Understanding Car Seat Recalls
Even the top-of-the-line car seats can be subject to product recalls. Stay informed and get notified when it matters.
How are Car Seat Recalls Announced?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for overseeing car seat safety in the United States. They work with car seat manufacturers to announce recalls and ensure consumers are notified. Here are some ways you might learn about a car seat recall:
- Manufacturer Notification: If you've registered your car seat, the manufacturer will likely contact you with details about the recall, including the specific models affected, the nature of the defect, and the recommended course of action.
- NHTSA Website: The NHTSA maintains a searchable database of all car seat recalls. You can visit their website and enter your car seat model number to see if it's been recalled: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- News Reports: Major safety recalls often receive media attention. Staying informed through news outlets can be another way to learn about car seat recalls.
What to Do if Your Car Seat is Recalled
If you find out your child's car seat is included in a recall, follow these steps:
- Immediately stop using the recalled car seat.
- Whether you received notification directly or discovered the recall yourself, the car seat manufacturer will typically offer a free repair kit, replacement car seat, or refund, depending on the nature of the recall.
Purchasing the right car seat is just the first step. Here are three additional steps to put into practice after you’ve brought your car seat home:
1. Review the Car Seat Manual
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 59% of children’s car seats are used incorrectly. We know that a car seat manual will never be the hit of the book club, but educating yourself on how to properly install your child’s car seat is one of the most important things you can do to ensure it is used correctly.
In the manual, you’ll find important usage information for your child’s car seat, like height and weight limits. The manual also contains installation and cleaning instructions. Chicco car seats include a handy slot to store the manual, so it’s always accessible. You can also typically find car seat manuals posted online by the manufacturer.
In addition to product manuals, Chicco has an extensive library of product support videos, including installation, transitioning between modes, and removing/replacing fabrics. These how-to videos are a great resource to use in conjunction with the manual.
Chicco KeyFit 30
The Chicco KeyFit® 30 is engineered with innovative features that make it the easiest infant car seat to install simply, accurately and securely – every time. The lightweight carrier clicks effortless...2. Get Your Car Seat Installation Inspected
While car seats are designed to be easy to install correctly, we encourage you to reach out to a Certified Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) if you encounter any issues.
CPSTs play a vital role in promoting child safety by:
- Conducting car seat check-up events where parents can get their car seats inspected and receive guidance on proper installation and use.
- Providing educational workshops and presentations on child passenger safety.
- Offering resources and answering questions from caregivers about choosing and using the right car seat for their child.
How do you find a certified child passenger safety technician? Reach out to local car dealerships, fire & police stations, and hospitals for a helping hand. Visit the NHTSA website to find a certified technician near you, and call ahead to see if an appointment is needed.
3. Know Your State’s Car Seat Laws
With so many things to think about as you prepare for your new baby or the new car seat for your growing child, you could easily miss the memo on your state’s car seat laws. Child car seat laws vary in scope from state to state. One state may have a generic law only requiring your child to “ride in a federally approved car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for that child's height and weight” up to a certain age, like
Other states have multiple laws for each stage in your child’s car seat journey, like a law requiring your little one to ride in a rear-facing car seat until age 2. An additional law may require your child to ride in a booster car seat until they reach a certain height and weight. These are only examples; please visit your State Highway Transportation Office for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
While it is important to know the car seat laws for your state, it’s also important to understand that many state laws only provide the minimum requirement. Chicco recommends that you follow NHTSA’s recommendations, which often go above and beyond state laws to keep your child as safe as possible.
Chicco customer service team members are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and are trained on all Chicco products. Our team is ready to help answer whatever questions arise as you continue in your parenting journey. Chicco customer service can be reached via email at info.usa@chiccousa.com, via chat session on our website ChiccoUSA.com, or by telephone at 1-877-4CHICCO Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 5PM Eastern.