Dangerous child car seats have appeared in the network: what threat do they pose.

Dangerous car seats are sold online

According to The Sun: According to a new investigation, dangerous 'killer car seats' are being sold on online platforms such as eBay and Shein. Consumer website Which? reports that dozens of unreliable child car seats are listed for sale on well-known platforms.

Parents are advised to be cautious with dangerous car seats, which can pose a serious threat to children during car accidents. Faulty products have been found on platforms like eBay, Little Dreams, ManoMano, Shein and Wish.

Representatives of eBay and Shein stated that they quickly removed these products from sale. However, Little Dreams, Wish, and ManoMano have yet to comment on the situation.

Problems with car seat safety

Among the safety shortcomings are thin seat bases and the absence of a central locking mechanism for seatbelts. This is critically important as car seats must position the seatbelt correctly on the child's hips, and multiple buckles can complicate rescue in the event of an accident.

Some car seats even lack side impact protection, which is necessary to prevent head injuries to the child.

“When the car seat manufacturer Britax conducted a crash test at 30 miles per hour, a dummy representing a three-year-old child was thrown through the windshield because the seat belts had loosened,”

In addition, some car seats do not have the appropriate orange labels confirming their compliance with safety standards.

It is reminded that child car seats must have a mark of R44 or R129 to be legally sold in the UK.

Expressing concern

The trading standards service of Buckinghamshire and Surrey has already branded this product as “killer car seats.”

“This is just one of the long list of dangerous products that Which? has discovered and which were taken off the market, only to reappear later,”

Which? warns that families facing financial difficulties may be tempted by these products, as their prices are significantly lower than the average cost of car seats.

Dangerous knock-offs were sold at prices ranging from £12.50 to nearly £40, considerably below standard prices starting at around £80.

Recently adopted new product safety laws have received royal assent, and their introduction into legislation is expected. However, Which? has called for additional regulations that would require online platforms to prevent the sale of dangerous goods and provide appropriate powers to regulators.

“Consumer safety is our priority,”

A representative of Shein clarified that

“the product was mislabelled by a third-party seller,”

Car seat safety check rules

It is extremely important to ensure that you are buying a safe car seat for your child. Check if the seat has a label with ECE R44-03, ECE R44-04 or ECE R129 — this indicates its legality for sale in the UK. Buy only from reputable sellers who can provide guidance and assist in installing the car seat.

Do not buy car seats from the secondary market, as it is difficult to assess whether it was in an accident just by its appearance. There may be internal damages that are not visible externally, which can compromise its safety.

Car seats should come with instructions written in clear language. Be cautious of car seats that look too cheap; this may be a sign that the price is too good to be true.

In light of this situation, it is important for parents to be vigilant and check the safety of car seats before purchase. Choosing a quality car seat can significantly reduce risks for children on the road. Be guided by new safety regulations being adopted and look for only certified products to ensure your child’s safety during trips. Also, pay attention to the sales conditions and the reputation of sellers to protect yourself from potential risks.