10 car seats fail new crash tests

Consumer Reports is known for taking safety to the next level, and in its most recent round of testing rear-facing, infant car seats, it went beyond the current federal safety standards for seat performance in a collision. The government tests seats in front crashes of 30 mph, but Consumer Reports simulated front impacts of 35 mph and side impacts of 38 mph (the same standards used for car safety testing). The results in this more stringent environment were dramatic, with 10 of the 12 seats either twisting too far or coming out of their bases.

Consumer Reports' testing also showed serious failings in seats secured by the LATCH system. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) itself calls the LATCH system confusing and Consumer Reports notes that the NHTSA is planning a public hearing on the system later this year.

Here's how the seats fared in Consumer Reports' tests:

The Good
Baby Trend Flex-Loc Adjustable Back
Graco Snugride with EPS

The Bad
Chicco KeyFit
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP
Compass I410
Evenflo Embrace
Britax Companion
Graco SafeSeat
Safety 1st Designer
Combi Centre ST
Evenflo Discovery
Eddie Bauer Comfort

What you can do:
Read the full Consumer Reports safety alert.

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Visit our car seat safety bulletin board to talk to other parents about this issue.

Find a child safety seat inspection station near you to make sure your seat is fastened as securely as possible.

Check our infant car seat safety article over the coming days for updates on this issue as more information becomes available.