The Car Seat Nerd

04/27/2026

04/25/2026

Not all “car seats” are created equal—and some aren’t truly car seats at all. 🚨

Products that look like car seats but haven’t passed crash testing or met federal safety standards may be marketed as convenient or affordable, but they can put children at serious risk in a crash. These “dupes” often lack proper harness systems, structural support, and proven crash protection.

A real car seat is tested to meet strict safety regulations and designed to protect your child’s head, neck, and spine when it matters most. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Always choose a car seat that meets federal safety standards, comes with clear manufacturer instructions, and is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.

Because when it comes to safety, there’s no substitute for the real thing. 🚗💺

04/17/2026

Just now while driving home, my dash cam caught this example of why you should always have your pets restrained in the car. Thankfully the dog wasn’t injured. Could have been a much different story if it were a busier street or she were driving faster.

From what I can tell, the dog was in the backseat and just jumped (or fell?) out the open back window 😳

Sorry for the poor quality. I was farther away than it looks, had to zoom in.

Of course this is only one hazard of unrestrained pets. You can read more here about the importance of restraining your animals while driving: https://thecarseatlady.com/pets/

04/16/2026

With Target’s car seat trade in event coming up we wanted to raise awareness that a Target online third party seller is offering pregnancy seat belt adjusters.

These products are extremely dangerous and not recommended. You can visit https://hcpvs.org/seat-belt-adjusters for more information.

04/04/2026

I see this error often, at seat checks but also just when I’m out and about, or in photos of peoples’ kids on social media.

Not all boosters have adjustable headrests/belt guides, but most do!

Remember, kids need a harness until at they are least 5 years old, 40 pounds, and able to sit correctly for the entire ride. http://csftl.org/harness-or-booster-when-to-make-the-switch/

Kids also need a booster much longer than people realize—until at LEAST 4’9” and until they pass the 5-step test (for most kids that’s age 10-12) https://csftl.org/the-five-step-test/

**THANK YOU to my fellow CPST’s for helping out by taking most of the booster photos used for this graphic!**

04/01/2026

It’s April Fools Day, don’t be tricked by these rear facing myths!

Myth #1: My child is too big!
Myth #2: My child’s legs are too long!
Myth #3: My child is SO uncomfortable!
Myth #4: My car is too small!
Myth #5: My toddler hates rear facing!
Myth #6: My child will get carsick!
Myth #7: Extended rear facing carseats are so expensive!

As child passenger safety technicians, we’ve heard all the reasons that caregivers forward face too early. See the link in comments to ensure your little is ready before switching!

02/15/2026

Before you hit the road, take a second to make sure your child’s harness is secure and buckled correctly. Love is in the details!

National Safety Council National CPS Certification NHTSA Safe Kids Worldwide

01/11/2026

Evenflo has issued a voluntary recall for All4One car seats. Testing found potential for the adjustable recline mechanism to shift from one position to another in rear facing mode. If the recline position changes during a crash, a backseat rider sitting next to the rear facing car seat is at risk of injury if their fingers are inside the recline mechanism.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲. Instructions are available on the Evenflo website that allow a towel to be placed inside the recline mechanism to fill in the open space.

See our website for more details including model list, towel instruction link, and replacement remedy for affected seats.
https://csftl.org/recall-evenflo-all4one/

12/23/2025

We get it — it’s freezing outside and those big fluffy coats are tempting. But when it comes to car seats, bulky jackets and thick coats can actually put kids at risk.

Here’s why 👇
❄️ Puffy coats create extra space in the harness
❄️ In a crash, that padding compresses
❄️ Straps that felt “tight” suddenly aren’t

The safer move:
✔️ Buckle kids in snug without the bulky coat
✔️ Do the “pinch test” — no slack means you’re good
✔️ Then place the coat or a blanket over the harness

Cold kids = uncomfortable
Loose car seats = dangerous

Stay warm, stay safe, and make sure everyone arrives buckled up the right way. 🚓💙