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Important notices

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Important Notices

Recall and advisory information for car seats sold here in New Zealand. Contains details of what you need to do if your seat is recalled, or affected in anyway.

Evenflo car seats & expiry saga

3 in 1 car seats and correct weight limits

Raven 3 in 1 car seat weight limit correction

WOF checks and car seats

Cosco Scenera snagging

Evenflo Discovery advisory notice

Safe2Go Technicians misleading info

Milano capsule standards issue

Evenflo Portabout & Apollo errors

Using Britax car seats until 20kgs

•••••

November 2009
Evenflo car seats and expiry saga

The confusion of car seat expiry dates on Evenflo car seats, namely the Apollo, Portabout and other Evenflo capsule still appears to be upsetting many parents.

Evenflo in the USA who manufacture these car seats states that their car seats expire at the end of the year (31 December) 6 years from the date of manufacture. However seats purchased in NZ from the Baby Factory stores appear to have had their dates and clocks removed by the NZ importer to increase their lifespan from when they were imported and sold in NZ. This means the imported seats were already 4 years old, and then had another 6 years added to their lifespan at the time of sale.

This article claims that the seats were part of a large cancelled order that were then purchased by the importer here in NZ, modified and then sold on. Although not one customer was made aware of this, and they were still charged $199 plus retail for this seat that expired only 2 years after the seat was purchased. The Baby Factory store originally refunded customers who had purchased the affected seats, until more people also requested refunds.

NZ Child Restraints feels that the sale of these seats is misleading, as the manufacturer states themselves that no modifications should be carried out on the seat, and the importer was using a hot glue gun to melt the dates on the plastic shell, which was not then safety tested and could have hindered the safety ability of the seat, possibly causing a weakness in the seat structure that under force could harm the infant using the seat.
Though no one knows for sure what, if any, risk there may be in using these seats, and we would like to know who would step forward and claim responsibility should any child be injured as a result of using one of these seats.

We also believe that the retail cost should have been reduced and purchasers made aware of the reason for this reduction so they knew at the time of purchase that the seat was going to expire within 2 years time. The fact the seats were sold at retail price means it should perform as intended, and to NZCR this means that the seat would last for around 6 years from the date of purchase. Most seats sold in NZ are up to 6 months old at the time of sale, with many seats being around only 2 months old.

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Oct 24 [2009]: Carseat expiry; Vanishing car; All not fine; Archive - health campaign
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvone_minisite_story_skin/1414159

Carseat expiry 
Reporter: Erica Wood

Parents came to Fair Go with concerns about confusing expiry and manufacture dates on their children's Evenflo car seats bought from Baby Factory.  There is no legal requirement in New Zealand to have expiry dates on child restraints, however, American company Evenflo has a self-imposed standard which states their seats are safe to use for six years from date of manufacture.  Parents noticed some of their car seats had had the original expiry and manufacture dates re-stickered, scratched or melted off.  Some found contradicting dates and did not know which one to take notice of.

Evenflo's New Zealand distributor, Warwick Edwards, says a major order fell through in the United States so Evenflo was left with loads of unsold seats in storage.  About two thousand of those were later brought into New Zealand, but by that time there was only about two years left until those seats expired.  To solve that problem Warwick Edwards changed the dates with Evenflo's permission.  Warwick Edwards says that because the expiry dates are not a legal requirement, he has no problem with what he has done and would do it again.

The Baby Factory says they have confidence the baby seats are safe for the next six years and they acted in good faith on the basis that Evenflo had authorised Warwick Edwards to change the labels.  However, when challenged by Fair Go, they said they would no longer accept any seats that have had altered dates.

Plunket's National Child Safety Advisor, Sue Campbell, says having confusing expiry dates is highly unsatisfactory, and wants to discourage companies from changing dates.  However, she does think the seats are still safe to use and parents should continue to use them.

In summary, Fair Go thinks there is no point in having a standard if you're not going to stick to it.  We accept these seats are probably safe to use, but consumers should have been fully informed about the date changes at point of sale.  If you weren't, then we think you have every reason to take it back and ask for a refund. 

May 2009
3 in 1 car seats and correct weight limits

Many parents are buying these seats under the impression that the harness can be used to 25kgs. This is not correct, all of the 3 in 1 style seats (like that shown above, sold via Baby Factory, Baby City etc) can only be used with the harness to 18kgs, then as a full booster with adult seat belt to 25kgs, and then as a half booster until 36kgs.

If you are wanting a car seat that harnesses beyond 18kgs the only options currently available in New Zealand are the Evenflo Triumph Advance which harneseses to 22kgs and is sold via Winkalotts or the Brio Zento which can be used rear facing to 25kgs, this is sold via Baby on the Move.

Alternatively the Safe-n-Sound combined booster seats (Maxi Rider II, Maxi Rider AHR and Explorer) can be used with a child safety "Protecta" harness from a minimum of 14kgs (recommended 18kgs) to 26kgs with the booster seat, and then to 32kgs with the seat belt on its own.

•••••

June 2008
Cosco Scenera harness snagging

Cosoco Scenera car seats damaged by sharp spikes (click)

It has come to our attention that the Cosco Scenera car seats, sold in NZ have small spikes on the under side of the car seat frame that may snag the harness and cause tears and pulls when used in rear facing mode.

Normal Cosco Scenera harness

Cosco Scenera harness damaged by spikes

A non-puncture harness will soon be available from the US for replacement - if you require one, please email us with photos of the damage, as well as your name and address for a replacement to be sent to.

Contact us and we will inform IGC Dorel on your behalf.

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March 2008
Evenflo Discovery Advisory Notice
Link: Evenflo.com

An advisory notice has been placed against these seats due to the possibility that the seat may come detached from its base in the event of a side impact accident.

Evenfo Discovery Capsule and base detachment advisory notice (click)

June 2008 update:
Some parents are confusing the fix kit for these bases with the latch strap already attached to the base. The fix strap is thin black strap with white stripe that has a hook at each end an adjuster at one end only and is not attached to the base of the seat. The latch strap comes attached to the base and should not be removed or used to attach the seat to be base.

This statement has come to our attention,
"People who bought this model [390/391 Discovery] were told to take it back to The Baby Factory and get a new strap for the base. This has been done. However, since then it has been re-approved for use without the additional strap. You can phone Transport Information, or Plunket to confirm that this car seat model [391 Discovery] is A-OK".

The statement above is incorrect - The seat did not have to be taken back, the straps are available at the Baby Factory and can be collected free of charge. Affected seats have been cleared for use without the clip, unless the base is not used, the seat can be used on its own without the base. LTSA do not have any role in this advisory nor do Plunket, it was issued by the manufacturer of the car seats in USA. Newer discovery models are not affected (March 2008 onwards) as the red release clips have been modified.

All Evenflo capsules with model numbers with 390XXXX XX and 391XXXX XX that are being used with a base ARE part of this advisory and should be used with the fix kit at all times.



Image showing straps fitted to base (latch & fix strap).
Evenflo discovery capsule off base after a simulated accident. All seats with model numbers beginning with: 390, 391, 534, 552 are involved in this notice. The model number can be found under the seat on a white sticker (along with the manufacture date), shown below.


This seat was not involved in the recall and is for indicative purposes only. Evenflo have given the following advice:
"Consumers should continue to use their Discovery infant car seat and there is no need to return it to retailers. It is recommended that you discontinue using the base until your clip has arrived."


Fix kit shown above - 1) strap, 2) fitted to base, 3) hooked to car seat on base, 4) car seat on base, strap tightened to prevent it from coming off the base. Click above image for further details.

If you have an Evenflo Discovery that has the above model number and you need a fix kit, please contact us, please give us:
Your car seat/s model number, manufacture date, your name and address to arrange delivery*. If you have your receipt, and live near a Baby Factory store you can request a kit from them.
*Postage costs apply.

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February 2008
Safe2Go Technicians and incorrect information.

If you have taken your seat to a Safe2Go technician who has told you incorrect information, or mislead you in some way, please let the Safe2Go coordinator know. If you provide them with who you dealt with, and what information was given, they will be able to access what information was given by the trainer, and why the technician is giving out incorrect information.

If you are not happy with the answer given, or the install carried out by the technician please see another technician, or your local Plunket Car Seat rental character.

Berenice Langson
Ph. 09 827 6182
berenice.langson@childsafety.co.nz

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November 2007
MILANO CAPSULE

Seat model F005 Milano capsule F005 sold at Baby City and missing standards label, this affects seats sold with a stoller (travel system). The weight limit label is also incorrect.

Milano capsules missing UK ECE standards stikcer (click)

Milano infant capsules sold as part of a travel system (with stroller) at Baby City may not have the red "UK ECE E# 44.03" sticker attached.

Sold at Baby City stores throughout New Zealand
Legally car seats cannot be sold in New Zealand without the standards sticker attached.
The weight label on these seats do not match the standards sticker weight limit of 13kgs, the seat itself states 10kgs, we are waiting for an update on this issue.

We are also keeping an eye on Trade Me auctions to alert sellers if their seat does not have the standards sticker attached. Baby City have not released any recall or repair kits for these seats to date, but will post out replacement stickers if you provide us with your details.

Contact us for details on how you can get the sticker for you capsule. Please provide details from you seat. The model number, cover colours and manufacture date to admin@childrestraints.co.nz

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 24 October 2007
EVENFLO PORTABOUT & APOLLO

Manufacture date and expiry date modification on Evenflo Portabout and Apollo car seats (click)

Update: Fair Go features news article on these two car seats 7.30 pm TV 1 24/10/2007.

It appears that Warwick Edwards who imports these seats into New Zealand will not confirm, nor deny that the seats are being tampered with. Evenflo have stated that they do not re-stamp the seats. The New Zealand imported seats are coming out with stickers attached over top of dates that have been scratched out (some removed entirely) on the plastic as shown in the images below.

Below is the email reply received from Evenflo USA customer services 12 September 2007.

Q: Please confirm the dates in which the Evenflo Apollo car seat was made between. 
A: Approximately August of 2001 through July of 2002.

Q: What is the life span on these seats?
A: We recommend that seats be replaced after 6 years.Does the life span being from date of purchase or date of manufacture? There is no deterioration that we are aware of with the seats; the purpose of the expiry date was to reduce the use of second-hand seats with missing or broken parts and to ensure that the seats that are being used meet the latest safety standards. We would recommend once it’s been used for 6 years that be discarded.

Q: Does the life span limits set in the US apply to international countries also?
A: Yes. The same general rules apply as far as life span.

Q: What can be done if the importer in New Zealand is informing parents of expiration dates, changing engraved dates and applying stickers that differ from the details applied to the car seat?
A: While it’s difficult to control what happens with our product once it leaves our facility, we’re diligently looking into it and are working to address these issues with the responsible party. If you happen to have any other information such as exactly where the seats are coming from (distributor, names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) it would help us a great deal. We have not authorized anyone to modify our seats in any way.

Q: Is there a letter that you give out stating the difference when the dates are printed incorrectly? Do you have a copy? Can I see it?
A: No, I am sorry; we have no standard letter that deals with this sort of situation.

The above details do greatly contradict the information provided by Warwick Edwards.

03 September 2007 - Confusion caused over manufacture and expiry dates on EVENFLO APOLLO child restraints. These seats have been reported to have been tampered with. The stamps on the rear of the seat may have been scratched out, and/or a sticker placed over the original details. Evenflo USA recommend a life span of 6 years from the date of manufacture and they have not stated if this only applies to the US or world wide. Safe2Go technicians are taught that the expiry date is also from the date of manufacture (DOM). If you have one of these seats, and you're concerned about the dates please contact:

Warwick Edwards
warwick@xtra.co.nz
Po Box 35445
Browns Bay
North Shore
Auckland

It appears that Warwick was tampering with seat dates, an alternative contact person is Wayne Buckley of Tas Baby email: Wayne@tasbaby.co.nz

I am still working on this case with Warwick and Wayne and have been since April 13 2007, when first enquiring about over stamped dates on an Evenflo Portabout. This case is being taken seriously.
Update - We have visited Warwick's storage warehouse in Dairy Flat (North of Albany) and have not noticed any seats with tampered dates since the above was noted - our only concern now is the seats that have been sticked with dates that do not match those stamped on the seat (these state the seat was "sold in 2006, and has an expiry date of 2012") - We recommend buying seats that have the offical manufactuers date as shown (in the large image below). While the expiry date reflects a 6 year life span, the sold date is not applicable as life span begins when the seat was made, not sold. Also the original expiry date may be as early as 2008, not 2012, meaning that the seats were already 4 years old when sold.

The life span of Evenflo car seats is 6 years, from the date of manufacture. If you have any doubt about the date of the seat you are looking to buy, we recommend looking at another brand.

Images

Correct dates shown below -
Model# L2 refers to bases, L1 refers to the seat.

Correct stamps/dates shown above
Manufacture sticker (image 4) is a long rectangular shape

Evenflo in the USA did not permit any of these changes (above), the stickers are not factory issued.

An important note on Evenflo car seats - Please Read!

PLEASE NOTE: The expiry date should be stamped into the plastic on the back of the seat. It should sit slightly raised, not indented. The font should match and the alignment should be relative.

The portabout also has a small series of clocks under the expiry date, there should be 4 clocks, on some of these seats the year clock has been removed. Do not buy this seat, as there is not accurate way of telling when it was made. However, Evenflo Portabout car seat capsules were last made in 2005, these seats will all have expired by the end of 2011 (Safety Belt Safe USA, Page 4, top row, Evenflo Portabout)

The Evenflo Apollo was last made in 2002, this means they will all have expired by the end of 2008. (Safety Belt Safe USA, Page 5, top row, Evenflo Apollo)

Evenflo car seats are made in USA and must display the additional yellow New Zealand "S" mark to be legally sold here.

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May 2007

Safe-n-Sound Bulletin

Following the death of Kyle David Miller in the USA in May 2005, Britax Australia released a bulletin about the testing and use of their child restraints.

Convertible car seats, and combined booster seats with integral harness are rated for children either NB to 18kgs, or 8 to 18kgs respectively. Britax AU however, test these seats with crash test dummies that weigh 20kgs, using the integral harness.

Please note: Britax car seats sold in NZ and AU are labelled "Safe-n-Sound" and are rated for use until 18kgs (convertible seats). The bulletin is a guideline and is not stated by the manufacturer nor is it printed on the car seat, or the instruction booklet. This therefore becomes a parental decision if you do decide to use the seat longer.

The following bulletin outlines the concerns regarding Kyle's injuries, the USA car seats and what you can do with your Safe-n-Sound branded Britax car seat for children you wish to keep harnessed.

You may like to consider the NEW Maxi Rider AHR coming to NZ in mid July, this allows use of the protecta harness with children 14-26kgs. It has an additional set of harness slots, which keeps the Protecta harness at or above your child's shoulders. An additional 7cm of height is expected.

Britax Product Information Bulletin - 07 December 2006*
* PDF File.