Latest news with #FMVSS213a
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What parents should know about the new car seat regulations effective June 30
Starting June 30, 2025, all car seats sold in the U.S. will be required to meet new federal safety standards. The change is designed to better protect children in side-impact (T-bone) collisions, a type of crash known for causing severe injuries. Here's what this update means for you—whether you already have a car seat or are planning to buy one soon. If you already own a car seat, there's no need to panic or replace it—as long as it: Has not expired Hasn't been recalled Is properly installed and appropriate for your child's weight and height As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains, 'Current child seats are highly effective in reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury in vehicle crashes.' So if your current seat checks those boxes, you're in the clear. Related: A parent's guide to car seat safety: Tips, rules & product picks The updated regulation—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a (FMVSS 213a)—adds a new crash test specifically for side-impact collisions. Why this matters: These crashes often happen at intersections and are especially dangerous for children seated on the side of the car. The new test simulates a 30 mph side crash and ensures that car seats: Keep children properly restrained Prevent head contact with the vehicle interior Reduce the force of impact on the chest The new rule applies to seats made for kids under 40 pounds—typically infant and toddler seats. Many manufacturers are already producing car seats that meet the new FMVSS 213a standard, but it may not be clearly labeled on the box. Ask the retailer if the model complies with the new standard Contact the brand's customer service to confirm Use the NHTSA's car seat guide to match your child's age and size with the correct seat Use the NHTSA's installation locator tool to get your seat checked by a certified technician Yes, , and it's more important than it sounds. Over time, plastic parts can degrade, safety technology evolves, and newer standards (like this one) come into effect. An expired seat may no longer offer optimal protection. Look for the expiration date printed on the bottom or side of the seat If there isn't one, check the date of manufacture and visit the manufacturer's website for their specific lifespan (typically 6–10 years) Related: 10 car seat guidelines every parent needs to know If you're the research-loving type, you can view the actual crash test data and technical breakdowns behind the regulation update on the NHTSA website: NHTSA side-impact test database Already own a seat? Check for expiration, recalls, and proper installation Buying a new one? Ask if it meets FMVSS 213a and confirm with the brand Use NHTSA tools for choosing and installing the right seat No need to panic—but being informed puts you in the driver's seat This update is a positive move toward safer rides for our little ones—and by staying aware, you're doing exactly what matters most: protecting your child with love, care, and confidence.
23-05-2025
- Automotive
New car seat regulations go into effect: What parents need to know
Parents purchasing a new car seat in the next year will want to be aware of an important safety update: Starting June 30, 2025, all car seats sold in the U.S. must meet new federal safety standards aimed at improving protection during side-impact collisions. The regulation, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is a major move toward reducing child fatalities and injuries in what experts consider one of the most dangerous types of crashes. "These new standards are a major step forward in protecting children during one of the most serious types of crashes," the agency told "Good Morning America." Why now? Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, can be particularly deadly for children because there is less space and structure between them and the point of impact, the NHTSA said. While frontal crashes remain the most common, the NHTSA noted that side impacts cause nearly as many fatalities and serious injuries for children under 12. So why weren't side-impact tests part of the original safety standards? According to the NHTSA, the delay was due to the extensive data required under the Vehicle Safety Act. "We focused on frontal crash protection first because those are the most frequent crashes and lead to the most injuries and deaths in child car seats," the agency said. It wasn't until years of research, including the development of a specialized side-impact crash dummy and test, that the agency was able to introduce a new rule based on real-world risk. What is FMVSS No. 213a? The updated regulation, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a, adds a new sled test for child seats simulating a 30 mph side-impact crash involving two vehicles. The rule applies to child seats designed for children weighing under 40 pounds. "NHTSA's new standard ensures that child seats can restrain the child, prevent harmful head contact with a vehicle door or seat structure and reduce crash forces to the chest," the agency said. What this means for parents If you already own a car seat, there's no need to replace it, as long as it hasn't expired, is correctly installed and has not been recalled. "Current child seats are highly effective in reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury in vehicle crashes," the NHTSA said. To ensure maximum protection, the agency recommends using the correct type of seat based on your child's weight and height, following manufacturer instructions and checking installation. Tools like the NHTSA's Find the Right Seat guide and Inspection Station Locator can help. For those shopping for a new seat, many brands are already ahead of the June 2025 deadline, the NHTSA said. While not all packaging will explicitly mention compliance with FMVSS 213a, consumers can contact manufacturers directly to confirm. According to the NHTSA, all car seats sold after June 30, 2025, must meet the new standard. What parents should do now Check the expiration date of your current seat. Verify recalls and register your car seat with the manufacturer. Use installation guides or visit a certified safety technician. Ask your retailer or car seat brand if a new model meets the 213a standard. What's next? While this update represents a major leap in child passenger safety, the NHTSA said there are no additional updates planned for booster seats or other restraint systems at this time. However, the agency continues to conduct research and may revise guidelines as new data becomes available. In the meantime, parents and caregivers interested in the science behind these changes can view the crash tests that informed the new regulation. The NHTSA conducted four side-impact crash tests with dummies representing 3-year-old children to ensure accuracy. These tests, numbers 6634 through 6637, are available in the NHTSA's research database here.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Expecting? Here's when major baby gear prices are going up—and how to save before they do
Let's be real: having a baby has never been cheap, but right now feels especially brutal for expectant parents. Between the everyday costs of raising a child and the new tariffs that have hit baby gear hard, strollers that used to cost $899 are now jumping to $1,200. And car seats? They're seeing average price increases of around 20%, while strollers are up about 25%. More than 70% of baby gear sold in the U.S. is manufactured in China, which means virtually every car seat, stroller, bassinet, and changing table is now subject to baby gear tariffs as high as 145%. The result? Industry experts are warning of overall price markups of about 30% across baby essentials, and that's just the beginning. (Because surprise! Tariffs are paid by the consumer, despite arguments to the contrary.) Here's the thing though: you're not powerless in this situation. (Frustrated? Sure.) With some smart planning, strategic shopping, and a few creative alternatives, you can still get the gear your baby needs without breaking the bank. If you're hoping to beat the price increases, here's your timeline based on Albee Baby's tracking of brand announcements. Some brands have already raised prices, while others are still giving you a small window to shop at current rates: Already increased: Chicco: March 10, 2025 Doona: April 22, 2025 Valco: April 30, 2025 Britax: May 1, 2025 BOB: May 1, 2025 Silver Cross: May 1, 2025 Clek: May 1, 2025 Romer: May 1, 2025 Cybex: May 1, 2025 Larktale: May 1, 2025 Veer: May 1, 2025 WAYB: May 1, 2025 UPPAbaby: May 5, 2025 Bumbleride: May 5, 2025 Baby Jogger: May 11, 2025 Graco: May 11, 2025 Still time to buy at current prices: Bugaboo: May 20, 2025 Joolz: May 20, 2025 Maxi-Cosi: May 28, 2025 Tiny Love: May 28, 2025 Thule: June 2, 2025 Stokke: June 16, 2025 Focus on safety essentials first. Car seats, cribs, and strollers should be your priority since these are legally required or safety-critical items. If you know what you want, shop soon to avoid the next round of price increases. Consider timing with new safety standards. Starting June 30, 2025, all newly manufactured car seats must meet enhanced side-impact protection standards (FMVSS 213a). Here's what this means for your shopping: Car seats made before June 30 are still completely safe and legal to buy and use If you're fine with current safety standards and want to save money, consider buying before June 30 (Mind you, current standards are very rigorous!) After June 30, you'll mainly find seats that meet the new standards on store shelves These newer seats will likely cost more due to redesign costs plus ongoing tariffs Check expiration dates. If you're buying early and storing a car seat, make sure the expiration won't arrive before your child outgrows it. Most car seats expire 6-10 years from manufacture date. Look for warehouse club deals. Watch for retailer discounts or club deals at warehouses like Costco and Sam's Club before prices jump. Consider U.S.-made alternatives. Try to buy products made in the United States if possible. Even these products may increase in price if manufacturers use raw goods or components manufactured in other countries, but the increases should be less than what you would pay for items fully manufactured outside of the United States. With new prices skyrocketing, buying used might seem tempting—and it can be a smart choice for certain items. But safety comes first, especially with gear that protects your child. What's generally safe to buy used: Clothes and blankets Toys (check for recalls first) Books Baby carriers (inspect thoroughly for wear) High chairs (check for recalls and missing parts) Non-motorized swings and bouncers What to approach with caution: Car seats: Safety-focused gear like child car seats could be risky, as the item may have been previously recalled, have updated safety standards, or have structural problems that may make it no longer safe to use. Car seats also expire and you can't verify their crash history. Cribs and crib mattresses: Safety standards change frequently, and older models may have been recalled Strollers: Check for recalls and structural integrity If you must buy safety gear used: Always check to be sure it hasn't been recalled. Calling the manufacturer's customer service line is another good bet if you need replacement parts, instructions, or labels. Red flags when buying used: Missing labels or model numbers Any visible damage or excessive wear Seller can't provide manufacture date Missing parts or instruction manual 'Too good to be true' pricing Renting baby gear can help lighten the load when traveling with kids, but it's also becoming a viable option for everyday use, especially with prices soaring. When renting makes sense: You're unsure about a big purchase You need gear temporarily (like for travel) You want to try before you buy Storage space is limited Budget is tight right now What you can rent: You can rent almost any type of baby gear, including bassinets, cribs, strollers, play yards, car seats, high chairs, toys, and bouncers. You can even find seasonal and specialty rentals like beach tents and outdoor blankets. Top rental services: : Over 450 independent quality providers in hundreds of cities across the U.S. and Canada. Insurance is included with every rental and they remove any recalled items immediately from the site. : Been helping families for 20 years with delivery to hotels, Airbnbs, and homes : Over 90 locations throughout the USA with over 25 years of experience : Network of 500+ local providers ready to deliver baby gear globally What to look for in a rental service: Check out reviews that other parents have left, especially making sure that the rented items arrived on time and in good condition. Check the company's website for delivery fees, cleaning costs, service charges, or other fees that can add up. Local alternatives: Facebook Marketplace and local parent groups often have rental options Some children's stores offer rental programs Baby gear libraries in select cities The reality is that rising costs are putting pressure on families at one of the most expensive times in their lives. A 2025 survey from BabyCenter reported that raising a child in the U.S. today costs families upward of $20,000 in the first year alone, with 37% of expecting parents worried about finances and 25% saying they had decided to have fewer children because of the high cost. Nearly 50 members of Congress have issued a statement opposing price increases on essential baby gear and asking Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to work with the Trump administration on an exemption from tariffs for this lifesaving category. While we wait to see if policy changes bring relief, focus on what you can control. Remember: you don't need everything at once. Start with the absolute essentials—a safe place for baby to sleep, a car seat to get home from the hospital, and basic feeding supplies. Everything else can wait or be acquired gradually. And there's no shame in asking for help, whether that's adding items to your registry, accepting hand-me-downs from friends, or renting gear short-term. Your baby won't care if their stroller cost $200 or $800. What matters is that they're safe, loved, and have what they need. Sometimes in the face of challenging circumstances, that's the most important reminder of all.
