Why you shouldn't use an after-market car seat cover

Suzie Kim, Santa Monica Police Dept, shares advice for parents on why it is not safe or recommended to use another kid of car seat cover other than the one from the manufacturer
Why You Shouldn't Use An After-Market Car Seat Cover
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Why you shouldn't use an after-market car seat cover

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A lot of parents wonder if it is okay to replace the car seat lining that comes with their car seat. And we think, no. You cannot change the car seat after it comes out of the box. And that is because the material that is produced by the manufacturer has been safety tested in crash test pan and in fire tests. So the material that is on there has a fire retardant additive to it to help protect your child. So when it gets dirty, the recommendation from the manufacturer is that you just use a little bit of water and spot clean it. But don't take it off and actually wash it with detergent and then put it back on the car seat. And if you are buying something online from someone who has made a car seat cover that fits your car seat, it won't have that fire retardant material in it. So, for that reason we recommend that you do not use any other kind of car seat cover other than the one from the manufacturer.


Suzie Kim, Santa Monica Police Dept, shares advice for parents on why it is not safe or recommended to use another kid of car seat cover other than the one from the manufacturer

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Suzie Kim

Crime Prevention, Santa Monica Police Dept.

Suzie Kim has spent more than five years teaching parents and caregivers how to safely install their car seat systems.  Suzie and her partner hold monthly car seat inspection events at the Santa Monica Police Department, providing education on the proper use and installation of the various types of car seats as well as sharing information on seat belts, air bags, and the proper time to switch car seat systems. She tries to fit in as many appointments as possible and has assisted parents/caregivers with over 1,500 car seat installations! Suzie has been with the Santa Monica Police Department for 14 years working in Crime Prevention and Community Relations. She serves on the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, YMCA Early Childhood Development Board, and as an Explorer Advisor for the Santa Monica Police Department. In her free time Suzie enjoys spending time with her four sons, swimming, travelling, and other outdoor adventures.

Car Seats, Car Seats, Car Seats
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Transcription: 

A lot of parents wonder if it is okay to replace the car seat lining that comes with their car seat. And we think, no. You cannot change the car seat after it comes out of the box. And that is because the material that is produced by the manufacturer has been safety tested in crash test pan and in fire tests. So the material that is on there has a fire retardant additive to it to help protect your child. So when it gets dirty, the recommendation from the manufacturer is that you just use a little bit of water and spot clean it. But don't take it off and actually wash it with detergent and then put it back on the car seat. And if you are buying something online from someone who has made a car seat cover that fits your car seat, it won't have that fire retardant material in it. So, for that reason we recommend that you do not use any other kind of car seat cover other than the one from the manufacturer.