Image courtesy of Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Counterfeit car seats can seriously injure – or even kill – our most vulnerable children. The problem is growing, and WinnMed in Decorah, Fillmore County Public Health, and Houston County Public Health are actively working to raise awareness and reduce the risk.
All three organizations have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who have completed a three- to-four-day certification course designed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
One important distinction: a seat can be counterfeit, or it can be a legitimate product that simply isn’t approved for use in the United States. Counterfeit seats may look like a name-brand model, but they do not meet the rigorous testing and safety standards required for U.S. approval. Non-U.S. approved seats may be legal in their country of origin yet still fall short of the specific standards required in the United States.
Brenda Pohlman, Fillmore County Public Health, stated that she has “provided consultation within Southeastern Minnesota regarding five child passenger restraints that were not approved for use in the United States.” Bri Ceaser, Houston County Public Health, stated that she has not seen any over the last couple of years in Houston County.
Brianne Leikvold, RN BSN, Director, Obstetric Services, WinnMed shared, “The single month of January it was reported that there were at least six counterfeit car seats caught within the State of Iowa. It is unknown now at this time how many as it is difficult to track. WinnMed has not had one yet to our knowledge.”
Counterfeit seats are most often found online, including major e-commerce sites and third-party marketplaces. Technicians say families should use extra caution when shopping through third-party sellers on platforms such as Amazon, Temu, TikTok Shop, and similar online marketplaces.
To lower the risk, CPSTs recommend purchasing car seats directly from the manufacturer or from a reputable retailer, rather than from an unknown seller. It is also advised not to purchase second-hand car seats.
Remember the adage, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” Car seats are built with specialized materials and must meet strict safety standards, so legitimate products rarely come with rock-bottom price tags.
How do you know it is a counterfeit car seat? Start with the label. If you do not see the red NHTSA Federal Safety Standard label on your child’s car seat, do not use it. The label must include this exact language: “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” If it does not include that statement – or if the label is missing, do not use it.
A legitimate U.S. approved car seat will also have a five-point harness system that secures a child at the shoulders, hips, and between the legs and it must have the required chest clip.
A legitimate car seat also comes with both a registration card and a detailed instruction manual. Pohlman noted that “the issue of recalled or expired seats has been a greater issue of note in Fillmore County than counterfeit or unapproved seats.” Mail the registration card in, as consumers are notified if there is a recall.
Pohlman recommends knowing what the laws are regarding child passenger restraint use in your state, and when traveling to other states, you need to abide by their laws.
“Even though I am a car seat instructor now, there was a time when I didn’t know as much as I do now about car seat installations. I look back at pictures of my installations when my child was younger and see how I could have done things so differently. As parents we aren’t perfect and we don’t know what we don’t know. It’s important that we educate ourselves to protect the most important people in our lives, our children.” said Ceaser.
If you are unsure what to buy or how to install car and booster seats, help is available. Contact your county public health department or WinnMed in Decorah.
Fillmore County Public Health: Car seat checks are offered year-round by appointment. All community members may receive installation education. Qualifying individuals may also be eligible for a new child passenger restraint. At least once a year, a car seat clinic is offered. A clinic is planned for September 2026. To schedule, call 507-765-3898.
Houston County Public Health: Care seat checks are available by appointment only. B.E.S.T. certification for childcare providers and foster parents in the southeastern Minnesota region is also available by appointment only. Call or email: 507-725-5810 or bceaser@hocomn.gov.
WinnMed: Free bimonthly car seat checks are offered at the east entrance from 4-6 p.m. on May 14, July 9, September 10 or November 12. Appointments are also available by calling 563-387-5361.
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