Britax Recalls Chaperone Infant Car Seats

Yesterday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, issued a voluntary recall of approximately 23,000 Chaperone Infant car seats. Affected car seats were sold nationwide and on the Britax website for approximately $230 from June 2009 to October 2010.

Is Your Child's Car Seat Recalled?
Look on the underside of the car seat to locate the white serial label. The recalled units include Chaperone Infant car seats manufactured between April 2009 and May 2010 with model numbers E9L95P2 (Red Mill), E9L95P3, E9L95P5 (Cowmooflage), E9L69N9 (Moonstone).

Reason for Britax Recall
The recall is because the chest harness clip can break, creating a jagged edge that can injure children. The broken clip also poses a choking hazard. So far, there have been four reports of the clip breaking.

How to Handle Recalled Car Seats
Britax contacted registered owners directly and is offering a free repair kit. Contact Britax by phone at (888) 427-4829 or online at Britax.com. Customers can also register their Britax products at the same website and receive direct notification of applicable recalls, as they occur.

Previous Britax Recalls
This pricey product line is not immune from recalls. In 2009, Britax recalled 31,392 child seats due to issues with the harness straps. Earlier this year, in February, the company recalled nearly 15,000 of its Blink umbrella strollers in the U.S. and Canada due to risk of fingertip amputations and lacerations.

Neither the USPSC nor Britax advised discontinuing use of the affected car seats. However, it may be prudent for parents to monitor the clip for signs of breakage until they receive the repair kit.

Sources
"Infant Car Seats Recalled by Britax Due to Laceration and Choking Hazards", USPSC.gov
"Britax Recalls 31,392 Child Restraint Seats", NHTSA.gov
"Britax Recalls Strollers Due to Risk of Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations", USPSC.gov