Latest news with #FederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandardNo.213a
New York Post
5 days ago
- Automotive
- New York Post
Car seat rules change soon: Save 36% on a crash-tested Evenflo seat from Amazon today
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Big changes are coming to car seat safety requirements, and it's time to get ready. Starting December 5, 2026, all car seats sold in the U.S. must undergo a new sled test, simulating a 30 mph side-impact crash involving two vehicles. The updated regulation was added to improve safety during side impact collisions, which can lead to serious injuries. While most major car seat manufacturers already meet the upcoming federal safety requirements, not all brands have access to the advanced testing facilities and equipment needed to comply with the updated regulations in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a. That means it is extremely important that parents choose carefully and select car seats that undergo rigorous crash tests. Brands like Evenflo, Graco, and Chicco already undergo side-impact testing. Models like the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend Convertible Car Seat go beyond the requirements — undergoing rollover and side-impact evaluations, and testing at energy levels roughly twice the federal crash test standard. The Revolve360 is also currently on sale for under $300, a rare opportunity to snag one of the safest models for a great value from Amazon. While there's still some time before the compliance deadline takes effect, it's always important to ensure your car seat meets national safety requirements. Don't wait until next December to invest in your child's safety and your peace of mind. Amazon Suitable for newborns up to toddlers, the Revolve360 grows with your child and stays firmly in place thanks to its innovative base system. Designed with a unique 360-degree rotation, this seat makes it easier than ever for parents to secure their child without the usual strain. 'The Evenflo 360 has been a game changer for us,' shared Commerce Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy. 'The 360-degree rotation allows us to place our son into the car seat facing us, which is much easier than having to do the sideways pre-fold into the rear-facing car seat.' More than just convenient, it's also designed to protect what matters most. The seat is rigorously side-impact tested and meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. 'Best of all, this carseat has been side impact tested, and we can rest assured that we will all be safe in any scenario,' Murphy emphasized. With new safety regulations on the horizon, it's a timely option for families looking to stay ahead of the regulations, especially while it's on sale for nearly 40% off. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New safety standards coming to child car seats
HOUSTON - Parents need to know about new child car seat regulations coming soon. New seats will have to meet new federal safety standards to help keep kids safer in crashes. Nicole Peake, Health Education Specialist with Texas Children's Hospital, showed us what to look for when choosing a child safety seat. Big picture view The new standard, called Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a, states that all harnessed car seats that carry children under 40 pounds must also hold up in a 30-mile-per-hour side collision test. Timeline This side collision testing is the manufacturer's responsibility. The deadline for manufacturers to make seats meet these standards was June 30, 2025, but has now been extended to December 5, 2026. However, Peake says many seats already meet these standards and are being tested for side impact crashes. What you can do Peake says that if parents 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. Additionally, these new guidelines change the weight guidance for various seats: Infant car seats must now have a maximum weight limit of 30 pounds. Forward-facing car seats must have a minimum weight limit of 26.5 pounds. Booster seats now have a minimum weight limit of 40 pounds. Texas Children's Hospital has a dedicated, bilingual phone number parents can call to ensure their child's seat meets standards and is installed properly. Families can call and leave a message to chat with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician with any questions: (832) 822-2277. Or parents can make an appointment through this link. The Source Information in this article is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Texas Children's Hospital.
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.
