Find out about recalls

Since last week’s Graco buckle recall, one of the big questions parents have been asking is, “How do I know if my child’s seat is part of a recall?”

The answer is: “Register your seat with the manufacturer, so they can contact you!”

Most manufacturers give you three ways to register a seat.

1. Each seat comes with a postcard that is pre-printed with the seat’s model and serial number. Just fill in your own contact information, and stick it in the mail. The postage is prepaid!
2. Click your way to the manufacturer’s website. You’ll need to have the model, serial number, and date of manufacture (DOM) handy. That info can be found on the postcard that came with the seat (assuming you haven’t mailed it in or lost it), or on stickers on the seat itself, and you’ll have to be careful to enter the numbers correctly.
3. Call the toll-free number on the postcard or instruction manual. This option involves talking to a real, live person, after spending the requisite minutes on hold, but if you have any questions about your seat, you can get them answered at the same time. Once again, make sure you have the model, serial number and DOM in front of you before you call.

If you’ve moved since you first registered your seat, your best bet is to call the company to make sure the company still knows how to get ahold of you. 

By the way, this applies to more than just carseats! Almost all baby gear, from high chairs and swings to strollers and cribs, can be registered with the manufacturer, and doing so ensures that if there ever is a recall, you’ll find out about it. So, what are you waiting for? Send in that postcard!