Child Car Seat Fitters Guilty of “Serious Failings”
A Which? investigation carried out in April 2014 has found that out of 42 stores offering free fitting of child car seats, 38 fitted them incorrectly. It claims the stores are guilty of “serious failings” and said that some of the seats were fitted so badly, a child could be in serious danger in a crash.
The 42 stores belonged to seven retailers, the worst fitters being Mamas and Papas, Babies ‘R’ Us and Kiddicare. Babies ‘R’ Us and Mamas and Papas failed 11 out of 12 fittings and Kiddicare failed 9. Halfords, Mothercare and John Lewis fared better, correctly fitting two, three and four child seats respectively.
Independent retailers scored better, but still made mistakes.
All the retailers involved in the investigation are now investigating the problem and vowed to improve their service.
Which? Has published a safety checklist to help parents fit child car seats safely.