Recall Information: CHAPERONE Infant Car Seats

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This was the official website created to notify consumers of a recall for certain CHAPERONE Infant Car Seats that were manufactured between September 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. In 2020 this website was selected for preservation by the Web Archive Project which funded the restoration. TNG/Earthling's Bob Sakayama provided pro bono technical assistance and Rev Sale handled development chores. The WAP funds the restoration of sites with historic significance for use by educators as supplemental reading material for college level courses or in class reference by secondary school teachers.
Content is from the site's archived pages / other sources and should be used for historical purposes only.

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An aside: I wish 2020 could have a recall and start over again in a different reality. But that is not to be. Hopefully 2021 with the start of a new federal administration and the possibility of effective vaccines being successfully rolled out for Covid 19 will be a better year. Before the pandemic really hit the US, I received a phone call from my sister saying that she had just heard that Infantino was recalling 4 of their famous baby carriers due to the straps becoming loose, imposing a falling hazard for infants. We had both just had babies at the end of 2019 and both had received the Infantino Go Forward Evolved Ergonomic Carrier as baby gifts. The recall was for Lot number 2018 0619 and Lot number 2018 0719. Did the 2018 mean that that was the year they were made or sold? How can you even tell what lot your baby carrier was from? We both ended up calling the company directly and learned how to receive a free carrier. However, fortunately the carriers we had each received were not part of the recall. That was the start of the year. Now, that we are close to the end of 2020, that little blip at the start is a minor foot note as the rest of the year unfolded.

We are fortunate that neither myself or husband are front line health workers or essential workers. I had planned to take the year off after our second child and my husband has always worked at home as a free lance graphics artist with a number of clients on their websites.

One of his clients asked him to work with their new SEO consultant creating ads for Pinterest and Facebook. Thus, the new work for my husband. The pandemic has impacted both brick and motor and internet businesses. New work is always welcomed. We have decided I will continue to be a stay at home Mom at least until regular schools are back full time and regular folks can get a vaccine for Covid 19.

I am grateful that with consumer protection laws and watch dogs, but it still is astounding how many recalls for defective product occur each year. But then when you see a notice on the CPSC government website that says: Due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19, some of the remedies identified in recall press releases may not be available at this time. Consumers should check with recalling firms for further details, it just adds to the anxiety that is so prevalent in these fraught times.

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Recall Information 

Britax Child Safety, Inc. has announced that there is a safety recall for the CHAPERONE child seat. This recall includes CHAPERONE child seats manufactured between September 1, 2010 and April 30, 2010 with model numbers:

E9L952J, E9L952K, E9L952L, sold in Canada

E9L692J, E9L692K, E9L692L, E9L692M, sold in the United States.

On the BRITAX CHAPERONE child seat, the harness adjuster ensures that the harness straps can be tightened securely over the baby's shoulders and attached to the seat shell. The rivet used to attach the harness adjuster to the seat shell may have been improperly installed. As a result, the harness adjuster may detach from the seat shell. If the harness adjuster detaches from the seat shell, the harness straps will not be able to safely secure your child, which increases the risk of injury in a car accident.

To remedy this situation, BRITAX will provide a repair kit that includes a harness fitting attachment, as well as specific instructions for installation. All consumers of the CHAPERONE child seat should confirm if their seat is assigned with a model number check and date of manufacture.

Consumers who have not registered or checked their registration should contact BRITAX toll-free at 1-888-427-4829 Monday through Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:45 pm Eastern Time and Friday between 8:30 am and 3:45 pm Eastern Time, or visit the website at http://www.britaxusa.com/registration (US) or http://www.britax.ca/registration (Canada) .

If your CHAPERONE Child Seat Fit Adjuster comes loose, you must discontinue use immediately and contact Britax Customer Service at 1-888-427-4829. If your harness adjuster is attached to the seat shell, the seat can be used safely. As a precaution, please follow the instructions in the repair kit when you receive it.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRITAX toll free at 1-888-427-4829.

Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seats

Starting date: February 3, 2012

Posting date: February 3, 2012

Type of communication: Consumer Product Recall

Subcategory: Childrens' Products

Source of recall: Health Canada

Audience: General Public (GP)

Identification number: RA-500002772

Recall by Britax Child Safety Inc., as announced by Transport Canada.

Affected products

 

What you should do

 

Consumers are advised to contact Britax Child Safety, Inc. at their toll-free number 1-888-427-4829 to request a repair kit free of charge.

Given that the risk of injury resulting from this deficiency is considered high, Britax Child Safety, Inc. has indicated that the public should discontinue use of the product if the harness adjuster has separated from the shell of the car seat and should contact them immediately.

Consumers may also contact Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371

 

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More Background on ChaperoneRecall.com

The Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat, introduced by Britax Child Safety, Inc., was designed to provide superior protection and comfort for infants during travel. Despite its innovative features, the Chaperone faced significant challenges, including multiple recalls due to safety defects. These recalls not only impacted consumer trust but also led to injuries and legal actions, highlighting the critical importance of stringent safety standards in child restraint systems.

Product Overview

The Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat was engineered to accommodate infants weighing between 4 to 30 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. Key features included:

• Side Impact Protection: Designed to distribute crash forces, shield from vehicle intrusion, and contain the head and body.

• Quick-Adjust Head Restraint & Harness: Allowed for easy adjustment of the harness and headrest to ensure a secure fit as the child grows.

• Anti-Rebound Bar: Intended to minimize rotational forces in the event of a collision.

• Compatibility with Britax Strollers: Enabled seamless integration to form a travel system.

Safety Recalls and Specific Injuries

Despite these features, the Chaperone Infant Car Seat was subject to recalls due to safety concerns:

1. November 2010 Recall: Approximately 23,000 units were recalled because the harness chest clip could break, posing laceration and choking hazards. Britax received reports of minor injuries, including lacerations and a case where an infant placed a broken clip in their mouth.

2. January 2012 Recall: Britax recalled Chaperone Infant Car Seats manufactured between September 1, 2010, and April 30, 2011, due to concerns that the rivet securing the harness adjuster to the seat shell was improperly installed. This defect could lead to the harness adjuster detaching, compromising the effectiveness of the harness system in restraining the child.

Litigation and Legal Actions

The safety defects associated with the Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat led to legal actions and settlements:

• Class Action Lawsuit: Britax faced a class action lawsuit alleging that certain models of their child safety seats were defective. In March 2022, Britax agreed to a settlement worth up to $2.6 million to resolve claims that it sold child car seats prone to breaking during an accident. The settlement provided affected consumers with $40 per child car seat purchased.

• Individual Lawsuits: Families whose children suffered injuries due to the defective car seats pursued individual lawsuits seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Law firms specializing in product liability cases offered free case evaluations to affected consumers.

Consumer Impact

The recalls and associated safety concerns had a profound impact on consumers:

• Trust Erosion: Parents rely on car seat manufacturers to provide products that ensure their children's safety. The defects and subsequent recalls eroded consumer trust in the Britax brand.

• Financial and Emotional Strain: Families affected by the recalls faced financial burdens related to replacing defective car seats and potential medical expenses from injuries. The emotional distress of unknowingly placing their children in harm's way further compounded the impact.

• Awareness and Vigilance: The incidents underscored the importance of product registration and staying informed about recalls. Consumers became more vigilant in monitoring the safety of child products and advocating for higher safety standards.

Background on Child Car Seat Recalls

Child car seat recalls are not uncommon and are typically initiated due to defects that compromise the safety and effectiveness of the restraint system. Common reasons for recalls include:

• Harness Issues: Defective harness systems that may not secure the child properly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

• Structural Defects: Cracks or weaknesses in the car seat shell or base that can fail under stress.

• Flammable Materials: Use of materials that do not meet flammability standards, posing fire hazards.

• Faulty Buckles: Buckles that may not latch or release properly, hindering the securement or quick removal of the child.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) monitors and reports on car seat recalls, providing guidelines for manufacturers and consumers to address safety concerns promptly. Manufacturers are legally obligated to report defects and initiate recalls to mitigate risks to consumers.

Cultural and Social Significance

The recalls of the Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat highlight broader cultural and social issues:

• Product Safety Advocacy: The incidents spurred advocacy for stricter safety regulations and more rigorous testing standards for child restraint systems.

• Consumer Awareness: Parents and caregivers became more proactive in researching and selecting child safety products, emphasizing the importance of safety over brand loyalty.

• Corporate Accountability: The recalls underscored the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure product safety and maintain transparency with consumers.

 

The Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat recalls serve as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent safety standards in child restraint systems. The defects led to injuries, legal actions, and a loss of consumer trust, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to prioritize safety and quality assurance. For consumers, the incidents highlight the importance of staying informed about product recalls, registering purchases, and advocating for higher safety standards to protect their children's well-being.

 

 

 

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