Second-hand car seats ‘putting children at risk’

Ahead of Child Safety Week, Cleveland Fire Brigade is advising parents to think twice about buying a used car seat.

The brigade, part of the Cleveland Strategic Road Safety Partnership, says second-hand car seats could be putting children at risk.

Andrew Corcoran, chair of the Cleveland Strategic Road Safety Partnership, said: “Your child’s safety is paramount and it is important to be alert to the dangers posed by unsafe or poorly secured child seats and restraints. 

“A previously damaged seat might not show visible signs leaving it weakened and unable to protect your child properly in the event of a crash. It could also have missing or worn parts that aren’t visible.”

For those for whom a second hand car seat is the only option, the advice from the partnership is to:

• Not buy anything that looks as if it may have been involved in an accident
• Check that nothing is missing – including the instructions
• Buy from family or friends because you’ll know the history of the seat
• Seek professional advice on suitability and fitting from a trusted retailer
• Remember that safety standards are updated regularly and older seats may no longer be of the required standard

The partnership also advises that when parents dispose of damaged or old seats, to remove the seat covers and cut off the straps so they can’t be re-used.

Child Safety Week is an annual community education campaign run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT). The 2021 week takes place between 1-6 June.

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