Columbia, South Carolina, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Pediatric experts from Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina, are issuing a warning to new parents about the dangers of counterfeit car seats. These fraudulent products often fail to meet essential safety standards, risking the safety of children during travel. Parents are urged to verify labels, weight, and include a manual to ensure authenticity, as counterfeit options can be significantly lighter and lack crucial safety features. Expertise from Prisma Health recommends vigilance in purchasing and provides resources for verification to protect children’s well-being.
Columbia, South Carolina – Pediatric experts with Prisma Health have issued a warning to new parents regarding the increasing issue of counterfeit car seats. The use of these fraudulent products raises safety concerns as they may not meet essential safety standards required for protecting children during vehicle travel.
Prisma Health emphasizes the importance of verifying warning and safety labels on car seats, which can typically be found both inside and outside the seat. Authentic car seats are equipped with critical information, including height and weight limits, expiration dates, and details about the make and model of the seat. Moreover, genuine car seats are accompanied by a manual and a registration card, elements that are often missing in counterfeit versions.
Counterfeit car seats are often marketed at heavily discounted prices, making them appealing to unsuspecting buyers. However, these seats usually exhibit telltale signs that betray their fraudulent nature. For example, counterfeit models are generally lighter than their authentic counterparts. Additionally, vital components like straps and chest clips may not be made from quality materials, compromising the overall safety of the product.
Parents and caregivers are advised to be especially vigilant when purchasing car seats, ensuring they are buying from reputable retailers. If parents suspect they may have inadvertently acquired a counterfeit seat, they are encouraged to reach out to the children’s hospital at Prisma Health for assistance in verifying the product’s authenticity. This proactive approach is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of children during travel.
The rise of counterfeit car seats is not limited to any single area but is a problem that is currently being observed across the nation. Experts recommend that parents conduct thorough research and consult with professionals to ensure they are making safe choices regarding car safety equipment for their children.
To further illustrate the features of genuine car seats versus counterfeit versions, it is essential to provide clear distinguishing indicators. Below is a summary table that outlines the key features of authentic car seats compared to their counterfeit counterparts.
| Feature | Authentic Car Seats | Counterfeit Car Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier, indicating sturdier construction | Lighter in weight |
| Labels | Includes height and weight limits, expiration date, make/model | May lack or contain incorrect information |
| Manual and Registration | Comes with a user manual and registration card | Usually lacks these elements |
| Materials Used | High-quality materials for straps and clips | Poor quality materials used for straps and clips |
| Price | Typically sold at standard retail prices | Often advertised at significantly lower prices |
As a precaution, parents should carefully inspect car seats prior to use. This vigilance can help ensure the safety of children while traveling and prevent potential harm caused by defective or counterfeit products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should parents check on car seats to ensure they are authentic?
Parents should examine the warning and safety labels inside and outside car seats, which include height and weight limits, expiration date, and make/model information.
What are some indicators that a car seat may be counterfeit?
Counterfeit car seats are typically lighter in weight and may have straps and chest clips made from poor materials.
What should I do if I suspect I bought a counterfeit car seat?
If parents suspect they bought a counterfeit seat, they are advised to contact the children’s hospital at Prisma Health for help with authentication.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia City Council to Discuss Golf Cart Regulations
Fatal Collision Claims Life in Lexington
Fatal Head-On Collision in Lexington County
Fatal Collision on Old Cherokee Road Claims Life
Lexington County Gears Up for Competitive Local Elections
Lexington County Boat Dealership Faces Closure Due to Road Project
Lexington County Elections Feature Competitive Races
Columbia Gears Up for Upcoming Elections
Fatal Collision on Sunset Boulevard Claims Life
Tragic Accident on Interstate 26 Claims Young Life
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Prisma Health Warns New Parents About Counterfeit Car Seats
- Wikipedia: Child Passenger Safety
- ABC Columbia: Drinkmate Recalls 100K Bottles Due to Safety Hazard
- Google Search: Car Seat Safety
- ABC Columbia: Woman Killed in South Lake Drive Collision Identified
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Safety
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
