We're moving! New blog address!
We are moving this blog to Typepad, so we can take
advantage of their comment system and other cool software tools. Please update
your book marks:
http://baby411.typepad.com/babybargains/
(We will leave this blog up for a few months---but please change your bookmarks as all the new posts will be to the above address!)
http://baby411.typepad.com/babybargains/
(We will leave this blog up for a few months---but please change your bookmarks as all the new posts will be to the above address!)
Tue - May 1, 2007
Time spills beans on new Bugaboo, the Bee
Time
Magazine broke a press embargo on the newest Bugaboo, the Bee. So, we
are a little late to the party, but here's the
scoop.
Set to debut in September, the Bee is a mini-Bugaboo---it can be used from birth, has a flat-fold (with the seat) with one-button release. But the price? $529? Yes, it will still feature the rich protein flavor of Bugaboo's euro-chic fashion, but $529? Wouldn't a Mac or Peg do the same thing at half the price? And where is the basket?
Yes, the seat is reversible, so baby can face the parent or forward. And as daddytypes noted in a droll aside, the cup holder will be out in 2009.
Set to debut in September, the Bee is a mini-Bugaboo---it can be used from birth, has a flat-fold (with the seat) with one-button release. But the price? $529? Yes, it will still feature the rich protein flavor of Bugaboo's euro-chic fashion, but $529? Wouldn't a Mac or Peg do the same thing at half the price? And where is the basket?
Yes, the seat is reversible, so baby can face the parent or forward. And as daddytypes noted in a droll aside, the cup holder will be out in 2009.
Posted at 09:56 AM Read More
Mon - April 23, 2007
Free books! Free ice cream! Meet author Alan Fields in DC!
Did
someone mention free ice cream?
Come meet BABY BARGAINS author Alan Fields when he signs books at Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg, Maryland (just outside of DC) this Saturday April 28 from 10:30am to 1:45pm! Here's what's on tap:
• FREE copies of the brand new 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS book will be given to the first 300 folks in the door.
• FREE ice cream for the kiddos.
• Raffle prizes including a $500 Dutailier glider, Peg P3 stroller, diaper bags and more.
• In store activities, information seminars and more.
When: Saturday April 28. Doors open at 10:30am. Book signing is 11am to 1:45pm.
Where: Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg, MD. 18501 North Frederick Avenue. 301.417.9702
Why: Free ice cream. Need we say more?
For more details on the signing, click here:
http://www.childrensfurniture.com/babybargains.htm
For directions to the store, click here:
http://www.childrensfurniture.com/html/directions.htm
Come meet BABY BARGAINS author Alan Fields when he signs books at Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg, Maryland (just outside of DC) this Saturday April 28 from 10:30am to 1:45pm! Here's what's on tap:
• FREE copies of the brand new 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS book will be given to the first 300 folks in the door.
• FREE ice cream for the kiddos.
• Raffle prizes including a $500 Dutailier glider, Peg P3 stroller, diaper bags and more.
• In store activities, information seminars and more.
When: Saturday April 28. Doors open at 10:30am. Book signing is 11am to 1:45pm.
Where: Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg, MD. 18501 North Frederick Avenue. 301.417.9702
Why: Free ice cream. Need we say more?
For more details on the signing, click here:
http://www.childrensfurniture.com/babybargains.htm
For directions to the store, click here:
http://www.childrensfurniture.com/html/directions.htm
Posted at 07:32 PM Read More
Updated BABY BARGAINS chapters now online for download!
We
have just posted the updated chapters from our latest edition (7th) of BABY
BARGAINS to download from our web
site!
Download a PDF of the crib, high chair, car seat or stroller chapter for just $2.99. That's right, if you've already bought our book and just need an update on strollers, you can download the stroller chapter for fraction of the cost of an entire new book!
(Please note: these chapters are the SAME as the 7.0 version of our book!)
For more info or to download the chapters, click here:
https://windsorpeak.com/orderform21.html
Thanks for your support!
Download a PDF of the crib, high chair, car seat or stroller chapter for just $2.99. That's right, if you've already bought our book and just need an update on strollers, you can download the stroller chapter for fraction of the cost of an entire new book!
(Please note: these chapters are the SAME as the 7.0 version of our book!)
For more info or to download the chapters, click here:
https://windsorpeak.com/orderform21.html
Thanks for your support!
Posted at 07:20 PM Read More
RECALL: Oeuf Infant Bouncer Seats Recalled Due to Frame Failure
NEWS
from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2007
Release #07-162
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 691-8810
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Infant Bouncer Seats Recalled Due to Frame Failure
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Infant Bouncer Seats
Units: About 1,400
Manufacturer: Oeuf LLC, of Brooklyn, N.Y
Hazard: The tubular metal frame can break, posing a fall hazard to
infants in the seat.
Incidents/Injuries: Oeuf LLC has received six reports of frames
breaking. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Oeuf infant bouncer seats with padded
canvas supported by a tubular steel frame. The canvas seat is brown with
white, blue or pink stripes. A three-point safety belt is attached to
the canvas. Model number 2005 is printed on the label.
Sold at: Juvenile specialty stores and Web retailers nationwide from
September 2006 through March 2007 for about $100.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the infant seat immediately and
contact Oeuf LLC to receive a repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Oeuf at (800)
691-8810 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit
the firm's Web site at www.oeufnyc.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07162.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's
hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or
visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email
subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can
obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2007
Release #07-162
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 691-8810
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Infant Bouncer Seats Recalled Due to Frame Failure
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Infant Bouncer Seats
Units: About 1,400
Manufacturer: Oeuf LLC, of Brooklyn, N.Y
Hazard: The tubular metal frame can break, posing a fall hazard to
infants in the seat.
Incidents/Injuries: Oeuf LLC has received six reports of frames
breaking. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Oeuf infant bouncer seats with padded
canvas supported by a tubular steel frame. The canvas seat is brown with
white, blue or pink stripes. A three-point safety belt is attached to
the canvas. Model number 2005 is printed on the label.
Sold at: Juvenile specialty stores and Web retailers nationwide from
September 2006 through March 2007 for about $100.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the infant seat immediately and
contact Oeuf LLC to receive a repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Oeuf at (800)
691-8810 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit
the firm's Web site at www.oeufnyc.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07162.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's
hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or
visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email
subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can
obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
Posted at 07:15 PM Read More
Fri - March 16, 2007
Why Wednesday morning is the best time to shop Baby Gap!
A
reader who is both a nanny and Baby Gap employee shares her insights on the best
time to shop for deals at Baby
Gap:
Most markdowns occur on Tuesday night, effective Wednesday morning. On rare occasions we have Sunday morning markdowns.
Most new items go on sale within a month(but how
the item sells well determine when it gets marked down). The items that end
in .97 are at the lowest price the company will give them. The company
calls this the kill price. After 14 days at the .97 price, the company
gives each store the authority based on their own sell through to cut that
price in half(ig. $14.97 after 14 days goes to $7.97). These prices can be
recognized by a green or yellow slash through the barcode and a date on the
back of the tag. Again these kill prices are determined by the management
at each store, and if a store doesn't have the size you need they can try to
find it for you at another store, but the store may have not killed the
price. Basically, the price is killed to get rid of it!
The best time to shop is obviously on a Wednesday morning, however, if
you have the company credit card( Gapcard) the first tuesday of the month
you get 10% off everything. The credit card is actually a pretty good deal
because the consumer saves 15-20% off at time of opening and for ever $250
they add up between Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Repulic they get a $10 reward
certificate to use at any of the 3 stores. As you know you can add $250 up
pretty fast! The company has also put alot of money into giving credit card
holders coupons and discounts continuously.(their goal is to reward the
faithful customer).
As far as other ways to save there is always the 10% discount you
can get from taking the register survey(it prints out every other customer).
If you have friends or family working there, they can give you invites to
the Friends and Family day event, which I believe currently is twice a
year(before back to school and then at Holiday). This invite offers usually
30% off everything you buy for a 3-day weekend (dates given by company)!
Most markdowns occur on Tuesday night, effective Wednesday morning. On rare occasions we have Sunday morning markdowns.
Most new items go on sale within a month(but how
the item sells well determine when it gets marked down). The items that end
in .97 are at the lowest price the company will give them. The company
calls this the kill price. After 14 days at the .97 price, the company
gives each store the authority based on their own sell through to cut that
price in half(ig. $14.97 after 14 days goes to $7.97). These prices can be
recognized by a green or yellow slash through the barcode and a date on the
back of the tag. Again these kill prices are determined by the management
at each store, and if a store doesn't have the size you need they can try to
find it for you at another store, but the store may have not killed the
price. Basically, the price is killed to get rid of it!
The best time to shop is obviously on a Wednesday morning, however, if
you have the company credit card( Gapcard) the first tuesday of the month
you get 10% off everything. The credit card is actually a pretty good deal
because the consumer saves 15-20% off at time of opening and for ever $250
they add up between Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Repulic they get a $10 reward
certificate to use at any of the 3 stores. As you know you can add $250 up
pretty fast! The company has also put alot of money into giving credit card
holders coupons and discounts continuously.(their goal is to reward the
faithful customer).
As far as other ways to save there is always the 10% discount you
can get from taking the register survey(it prints out every other customer).
If you have friends or family working there, they can give you invites to
the Friends and Family day event, which I believe currently is twice a
year(before back to school and then at Holiday). This invite offers usually
30% off everything you buy for a 3-day weekend (dates given by company)!
Posted at 11:30 AM
Thu - March 15, 2007
BRU complaint: the search for the elusive Graco infant car seat
Caroline
H. of Charlotte, North Carolina shares her experience with Babies R Us and her
attempt to buy a Graco car seat:
Dear Babies ‘R’ Us Customer Service,
I am writing to tell you about my recent experience with your stores, associates, web site, and customer service representatives in the hope you can understand how challenging your organization has been to work with recently. As an expectant mother, it is challenging to understand how you expect to retain customers by providing this type of terrible customer service.
My neighbor and I registered for our recent baby showers with your store earlier this year and one of the items included the Graco Snugride Car Seat in Windsor.
On numerous occasions in February, I attempted to purchase this item from your stores here in Charlotte, NC (there is one in Concord, NC and one on South Boulevard in Pineville, NC). The item was out of stock at both stores. Associates at that time were helpful in searching shelves on my behalf for this item.
On February 27th, I visited your store in Concord, NC and the sales associate referenced the in store computer system that told her 5 of these car seats were in stock and available (but not one could be found on the store shelves).
On February 28th, I visited your store in Pineville, NC and the sales associate referenced the in store computer system that told her 3 of these car seats were in stock and available (but not one could be found on the store shelves).
I was told by both locations that large shipments of these items were expected imminently and to check back soon to get this item.
On Wednesday, March 7th, I again visited the Pineville, NC store. This car seat was not on the shelf. I went to customer service and asked for a help. A store associate came by to help me and took me over to the in store computer. This time, she told me specifically that a large shipment of these car seats is expected sometime between March 11th – March 17th. I was told to come back then.
On Monday, March 12th, I called the Pineville store again and asked if they had received the shipment. This time, the associate told me that they don’t expect these car seats in for at least 3 to 4 more weeks. However, she would be happy to call around to other stores in the Southeast and find a store that has this item in stock. That store will then ship the item to me.
She returned my call within the hour. I was told the Sarasota, FL store has this car seat and one is being held for me. I am to call the store and talk to Matt.
I call Matt and let him know I am ready to have the item shipped to me.
Matt tells me I have to pay for shipping. This I don’t understand, but ask him how much shipping will cost (at this point, it’s worth it). Matt is unable to tell me. He puts me on hold to ask his manager.
Matt’s manager gets on the phone. She informs me that they do not ship items from the store. (What??)
I ask the manager why I would have been told by the Pineville, NC associate that this was possible and why Matt would lead me to believe this was possible and then be met with this information. She cannot explain. She suggests calling the 888.babyrus number to place this order by phone.
The afternoon of Monday, March 12th, I call 888.babyrus. I speak to Customer Service.
I explain all of my above experience to her. She explains that it is each individual store’s discretion whether or not to ship the item from their stores. It is not something that is controlled corporate-wide. She suggests trying to get the item online or else calling her back and she’ll find a store in which this is available and then I can call that store and see if they’ll be kind enough to ship it.
I spend the afternoon trying to get the item online. I sign up for a notification email from your site to tell me when the item is back in stock.
On Wednesday, March 14th, I get an email that the item is back in stock on your site. I go to your site, find the item displayed as available, so I put the item in my shopping cart and hit ‘checkout’. I get a message that this item is out of stock and would I like to be notified when it is back in stock?? (What??)
I call customer service back. I speak to a different representative. I explain all of the above and that I am calling to have customer service please locate this car seat in a store that I can then call and have them ship the item to me.
This representative informs me that they do not ship items from stores. (What??)
I explain to her that the representative I spoke with last time suggested I follow this course of action and work with the individual store to see if they will ship it to me. This representative tells me this is not an option.
I give up. I complain to my neighbor, who had also registered for this Graco Snugride Car Seat in Windsor. She spends the next week awaiting the item to come back into stock online. She orders two of the car seats by placing two separate orders. She receives email order confirmations for both car seats. These orders are placed on Tuesday, March 13th. We declare victory. Until, on Wednesday, March 14th, she receives notification that one of the orders has been cancelled. The item is out of stock, the message says. She speaks with customer service. She explains her situation and the representative is able to send her another car seat and (hurrah!) offers her free shipping. We’re told these car seats are due to arrive in the next week. We’re not holding our breath.
I hope the above gives you some insight into what it is like to be a customer of your store. This is my first child but definitely the last time I recommend your stores, web site, or registry to any other new or expecting moms.
Sincerely,
Caroline H.
Dear Babies ‘R’ Us Customer Service,
I am writing to tell you about my recent experience with your stores, associates, web site, and customer service representatives in the hope you can understand how challenging your organization has been to work with recently. As an expectant mother, it is challenging to understand how you expect to retain customers by providing this type of terrible customer service.
My neighbor and I registered for our recent baby showers with your store earlier this year and one of the items included the Graco Snugride Car Seat in Windsor.
On numerous occasions in February, I attempted to purchase this item from your stores here in Charlotte, NC (there is one in Concord, NC and one on South Boulevard in Pineville, NC). The item was out of stock at both stores. Associates at that time were helpful in searching shelves on my behalf for this item.
On February 27th, I visited your store in Concord, NC and the sales associate referenced the in store computer system that told her 5 of these car seats were in stock and available (but not one could be found on the store shelves).
On February 28th, I visited your store in Pineville, NC and the sales associate referenced the in store computer system that told her 3 of these car seats were in stock and available (but not one could be found on the store shelves).
I was told by both locations that large shipments of these items were expected imminently and to check back soon to get this item.
On Wednesday, March 7th, I again visited the Pineville, NC store. This car seat was not on the shelf. I went to customer service and asked for a help. A store associate came by to help me and took me over to the in store computer. This time, she told me specifically that a large shipment of these car seats is expected sometime between March 11th – March 17th. I was told to come back then.
On Monday, March 12th, I called the Pineville store again and asked if they had received the shipment. This time, the associate told me that they don’t expect these car seats in for at least 3 to 4 more weeks. However, she would be happy to call around to other stores in the Southeast and find a store that has this item in stock. That store will then ship the item to me.
She returned my call within the hour. I was told the Sarasota, FL store has this car seat and one is being held for me. I am to call the store and talk to Matt.
I call Matt and let him know I am ready to have the item shipped to me.
Matt tells me I have to pay for shipping. This I don’t understand, but ask him how much shipping will cost (at this point, it’s worth it). Matt is unable to tell me. He puts me on hold to ask his manager.
Matt’s manager gets on the phone. She informs me that they do not ship items from the store. (What??)
I ask the manager why I would have been told by the Pineville, NC associate that this was possible and why Matt would lead me to believe this was possible and then be met with this information. She cannot explain. She suggests calling the 888.babyrus number to place this order by phone.
The afternoon of Monday, March 12th, I call 888.babyrus. I speak to Customer Service.
I explain all of my above experience to her. She explains that it is each individual store’s discretion whether or not to ship the item from their stores. It is not something that is controlled corporate-wide. She suggests trying to get the item online or else calling her back and she’ll find a store in which this is available and then I can call that store and see if they’ll be kind enough to ship it.
I spend the afternoon trying to get the item online. I sign up for a notification email from your site to tell me when the item is back in stock.
On Wednesday, March 14th, I get an email that the item is back in stock on your site. I go to your site, find the item displayed as available, so I put the item in my shopping cart and hit ‘checkout’. I get a message that this item is out of stock and would I like to be notified when it is back in stock?? (What??)
I call customer service back. I speak to a different representative. I explain all of the above and that I am calling to have customer service please locate this car seat in a store that I can then call and have them ship the item to me.
This representative informs me that they do not ship items from stores. (What??)
I explain to her that the representative I spoke with last time suggested I follow this course of action and work with the individual store to see if they will ship it to me. This representative tells me this is not an option.
I give up. I complain to my neighbor, who had also registered for this Graco Snugride Car Seat in Windsor. She spends the next week awaiting the item to come back into stock online. She orders two of the car seats by placing two separate orders. She receives email order confirmations for both car seats. These orders are placed on Tuesday, March 13th. We declare victory. Until, on Wednesday, March 14th, she receives notification that one of the orders has been cancelled. The item is out of stock, the message says. She speaks with customer service. She explains her situation and the representative is able to send her another car seat and (hurrah!) offers her free shipping. We’re told these car seats are due to arrive in the next week. We’re not holding our breath.
I hope the above gives you some insight into what it is like to be a customer of your store. This is my first child but definitely the last time I recommend your stores, web site, or registry to any other new or expecting moms.
Sincerely,
Caroline H.
Posted at 10:13 AM
Wed - March 7, 2007
FINED: Fisher Price slapped for not reporting safety hazard
|
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
March 1, 2007 Release #07-119 |
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800)
638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301)
504-7908
|
Fisher-Price Fined $975,000 for Failing to
Report a Serious Choking, Aspiration Hazard with a Popular Children’s
Toy
WASHINGTON , D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora,
N.Y., has agreed to pay a $975,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which the
Commission has provisionally accepted,
settles allegations that the company failed to report to the government that a
nail fastener in the Little People® Animal Sounds Farm could separate from
the toy and pose a serious choking or aspiration hazard to young
children.
About 67,000 Little People® Animal Sounds Farms
were sold nationwide by Fisher-Price from June 2002 through July 2002. In
September 2002, the company received its first report of a nail fastener coming
loose from one of the toy barn’s stall doors. Over the next two months,
Fisher-Price received nine additional reports, including one case of a child
placing the nail fastener in her mouth.
By February 2003, Fisher-Price had received two
reports of parents concerned that this problem posed a choking hazard to
children and a report of a December 30, 2002 incident in which a 14-month old
child aspirated a nail fastener into his lung. The child was taken to the
hospital and underwent an emergency surgical procedure to have the metal nail
fastener removed.
It was not until March 2003 that the company reported
the safety hazard with the Little People® Animal Farm to the Commission. By
that time, Fisher-Price was aware of at least 33 reports in which the nail
fastener came loose from the stall doors. These included four reports of
children who put the metal nail fastener in their mouths and the one case of the
child who aspirated the nail fastener.
Federal law requires
firms to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining
information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a
defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, presents
an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates a federal safety
standard.
In April 2003, CPSC and Fisher-Price announced the
recall
of the Little People® Animal Sounds Farms and recommended that consumers
take the toy away from young children immediately and contact the company to
receive a free repair kit. Consumers can still call Fisher-Price anytime at
(866) 259-7873 or order the repair kit online at www.service.mattel.com
In agreeing to settle the matter, Fisher-Price Inc.
denies CPSC’s allegations that the company knowingly violated the
law.
Prior to the loss of quorum, the Commission delegated
authority to the Office of Compliance and Field Operations to settle this matter
with Fisher-Price before March 1, 2007.
Posted at 04:29 PM
Mon - March 5, 2007
Recaro updates release dates for new car seats
Recaro
touches base with news about their new car seats. Recaro had planned to launch
an infant car seat and convertible seat in early 2007; here are the updated
release dates:
---Our infant shell, the RECARO Picco, is now slated to launch in November
---Our $219 Convertible seat, the RECARO Como will be in-store the first week of June
---Our $259 Convertible seat, the RECARO Signo will be in-store the first week of July
---Our new High Back Booster will be in store the second week of June and is offered in Microfiber for $99 and fabric for $89. The RECARO Vivo sells at the $99 price point with the Vivo Lite at $89.
---The RECARO Young Style will be discontinued in August due to the launch of the Vivo however the Young Sport and Start will stay in production
---We are also working on a higher end High Back Booster for $129 which will not launch in 2007 as I currently have it planned.
We have launched our first large retailer in-store already this year. The Young Sport landed on shelves in Sears in February. We are also looking at floor launch of a majority of our product line-up in Babies “R” Us in the next few months as product becomes available.. Sales are growing at a strong rate on Target.com and Sears.com so I look forward to launching on-line with Babies “R” Us in the next few weeks and JC Penney before Mother’s Day.
The Convertibles (Como and Signo) are looking to hold a weight range of 5-70 pounds while the Vivo high back booster has a weight range of 30-100 pounds. We are also testing the Vivo at 105 pounds but have not finalized if we will market the 105 pound weight or not until I see some further test results.
---Our infant shell, the RECARO Picco, is now slated to launch in November
---Our $219 Convertible seat, the RECARO Como will be in-store the first week of June
---Our $259 Convertible seat, the RECARO Signo will be in-store the first week of July
---Our new High Back Booster will be in store the second week of June and is offered in Microfiber for $99 and fabric for $89. The RECARO Vivo sells at the $99 price point with the Vivo Lite at $89.
---The RECARO Young Style will be discontinued in August due to the launch of the Vivo however the Young Sport and Start will stay in production
---We are also working on a higher end High Back Booster for $129 which will not launch in 2007 as I currently have it planned.
We have launched our first large retailer in-store already this year. The Young Sport landed on shelves in Sears in February. We are also looking at floor launch of a majority of our product line-up in Babies “R” Us in the next few months as product becomes available.. Sales are growing at a strong rate on Target.com and Sears.com so I look forward to launching on-line with Babies “R” Us in the next few weeks and JC Penney before Mother’s Day.
The Convertibles (Como and Signo) are looking to hold a weight range of 5-70 pounds while the Vivo high back booster has a weight range of 30-100 pounds. We are also testing the Vivo at 105 pounds but have not finalized if we will market the 105 pound weight or not until I see some further test results.
Posted at 06:38 PM
Sat - March 3, 2007
NEW! 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS now available!
Yes,
we couldn't just stop ourselves---we've made BABY BARGAINS
better!
It's revised! Updated! And EXPANDED!
The 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS features all that you loved about our book, plus MORE! We've expanded the book with new sections, including booster car seats, kitchen boosters and more!
Here's an overview of what's new:
• NEW easy-open spine! We heard you---it's hard to read our thick book with one hand. Now, you'll be able to keep the book open easier, thanks to an easy-open spine.
• Over a dozen new crib brand reviews—many of these newcomers are part of the modernist nursery trend, featuring high style (and high prices).
• What’s the best (and most affordable) knock-off of the Bugaboo stroller? We’ve got the scoop in our new feature, the Bugaboo Smackdown. This handy comparison chart rates and reviews the best Bugaboo imitators. Also new in strollers: reviews of ten new stroller brands, including the latest European imports such as Mutsy and Quinny.
• For car seats, we have added a big new section on boosters—you’ll find in-depth advice and reviews/ratings of the top picks. We also cover new car seats that use a five-point harness up to 65 pounds.
• We’ve crowned a new winner in the carrier section (sorry, Bjorn) . . . plus we have the low-down on new hip carriers, Asian-inspired wraps and more. For the kitchen, we have added reviews of booster seats and hook-on chairs. And cloth diaper fans will note an expanded and updated section with the latest brands and picks.
• Of course, we’ve kept the features you love about Baby Bargains, including those nifty comparison charts that sum up our picks and our ever-popular baby registry at-a-glance (Appendix B).
ORDER a copy of the new 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS with one of our parenting books like BABY 411 and and get FREE SHIPPING. The book is now in stock and shipping! Look for it in bookstores as well in April.
It's revised! Updated! And EXPANDED!
The 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS features all that you loved about our book, plus MORE! We've expanded the book with new sections, including booster car seats, kitchen boosters and more!
Here's an overview of what's new:
• NEW easy-open spine! We heard you---it's hard to read our thick book with one hand. Now, you'll be able to keep the book open easier, thanks to an easy-open spine.
• Over a dozen new crib brand reviews—many of these newcomers are part of the modernist nursery trend, featuring high style (and high prices).
• What’s the best (and most affordable) knock-off of the Bugaboo stroller? We’ve got the scoop in our new feature, the Bugaboo Smackdown. This handy comparison chart rates and reviews the best Bugaboo imitators. Also new in strollers: reviews of ten new stroller brands, including the latest European imports such as Mutsy and Quinny.
• For car seats, we have added a big new section on boosters—you’ll find in-depth advice and reviews/ratings of the top picks. We also cover new car seats that use a five-point harness up to 65 pounds.
• We’ve crowned a new winner in the carrier section (sorry, Bjorn) . . . plus we have the low-down on new hip carriers, Asian-inspired wraps and more. For the kitchen, we have added reviews of booster seats and hook-on chairs. And cloth diaper fans will note an expanded and updated section with the latest brands and picks.
• Of course, we’ve kept the features you love about Baby Bargains, including those nifty comparison charts that sum up our picks and our ever-popular baby registry at-a-glance (Appendix B).
ORDER a copy of the new 7th edition of BABY BARGAINS with one of our parenting books like BABY 411 and and get FREE SHIPPING. The book is now in stock and shipping! Look for it in bookstores as well in April.
Posted at 11:18 AM Read More
Thu - February 22, 2007
BRU Registry complaint--"temporarily unavailable" items
A
reader in Michigan writes today about her frustration with BRU
registry:
I do have a bit of future parent feedback for your next edition regarding BabiesRus.com and the on-line registry. I don't know if it is because they have severed ties with Amazon.com or what it is, but they are extremely frustrating lately. I check my registry constantly and it seems as though ~50% of my registry is "Temporarily Unavailable". This is a huge hassle because the products unavailable on-line are pretty common things the britax roundabout car seat, strollers, Avent bottles, snap and go strollers, monitors, and very common things. I as a consumer am frustrated because the site required people to go into a babiesrus store and does not allow them to purchase on-line. This is inconvenient. In this day and age a lot of people like to order things on-line. When I call the 800 number they explain that they don't have it in the warehouse. I feel they should be able to find a store that has it and ship it from a store. Many of my friends who are also pregnant have shared in this same frustration! I just thought you might want that feedback.
Thank you again for the wonderful book! Keep it up!
Elyse C.
I do have a bit of future parent feedback for your next edition regarding BabiesRus.com and the on-line registry. I don't know if it is because they have severed ties with Amazon.com or what it is, but they are extremely frustrating lately. I check my registry constantly and it seems as though ~50% of my registry is "Temporarily Unavailable". This is a huge hassle because the products unavailable on-line are pretty common things the britax roundabout car seat, strollers, Avent bottles, snap and go strollers, monitors, and very common things. I as a consumer am frustrated because the site required people to go into a babiesrus store and does not allow them to purchase on-line. This is inconvenient. In this day and age a lot of people like to order things on-line. When I call the 800 number they explain that they don't have it in the warehouse. I feel they should be able to find a store that has it and ship it from a store. Many of my friends who are also pregnant have shared in this same frustration! I just thought you might want that feedback.
Thank you again for the wonderful book! Keep it up!
Elyse C.
Posted at 09:25 AM
Fri - February 2, 2007
We get letters: Target registry frustration
A reader from Missouri writes today with
her frustration over Target's baby
registry:
To Whom It May Concern:
I’m writing in regard to my recent experiences with your Target store in Jefferson City, Missouri. I created a baby registry at the end of 2006, and was notified by friends and family the third week in January that multiple items in my registry were no longer available.
I went to Target on Friday January the 19th, to add additional items to my registry, as my baby shower was scheduled for January the 27th. I printed off my registry and after looking through the infant / baby section, I realized multiple items were truly no longer available; however, many of the items were still in the store, but the registry print out was not providing corresponding isle numbers for item location. I spoke with a sales associate who was unable to determine why the registry was printing without isle numbers for easy location.
In addition, I requested assistance with registering for a travel system and high chair on display that I could not find corresponding boxes for. The sales associate was able to determine that the items on display were no longer for sale and that is why there were no longer boxes to go with the display items. I asked why the highchair and travel system were still on display if they were no longer for sale, but the sales associate was unable to answer this question. I shared frustration and concern with the sales associate over the disorganization of the infant / baby section, with the sales associate apologizing for the mess and stating, “You’re the third pregnant lady today who’s gotten upset over this section.”
As stated above, my shower was held on January the 27th and I received several duplicate items and items I did not register for. Unfortunately, I did not receive gift receipts for many of these items. When my husband and I attempted to exchange the duplicate and non registered items on January 28, we were informed that only two non-receipt items can be exchanged per person / per year. We asked to speak with a manager who quoted the same policy and I explained that the policy should not apply in this case for two reasons:
1. I received duplicate items on my registry because Target failed to mark the items off when notified by my friends and family.
2. I received multiple non registered for items because of the difficulty my friends and family had in locating registered items without isle numbers. In addition, the infant / baby section was highly disorganized during the re-stocking period, making it additionally difficult to locate registry items.
The store manager responded to my reasons with, “The infant section was not disorganized” and, “I can’t do anything about the store policy”.
I registered at Target because I liked the variety of infant and baby items you keep in stock and have previously had positive experiences at Target. I am highly disappointed and frustrated with the poorly managed re-stocking of the infant / baby section; exchange policies that have required me to keep duplicate gifts and gifts that I never registered for; and poor customer service I received at Target in Jefferson City, Missouri. I am only asking to exchange, not refund my gifts. My friends and family purchased items from Target because my baby shower invitation notified them I was registered at your store. They bought these gifts on good faith that I would be receiving what I needed and unfortunately that has not been my experience.
I am requesting that Target review its re-stocking program, exchange policies, and employee customer service education. I would appreciate a reply to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Danielle S.
To Whom It May Concern:
I’m writing in regard to my recent experiences with your Target store in Jefferson City, Missouri. I created a baby registry at the end of 2006, and was notified by friends and family the third week in January that multiple items in my registry were no longer available.
I went to Target on Friday January the 19th, to add additional items to my registry, as my baby shower was scheduled for January the 27th. I printed off my registry and after looking through the infant / baby section, I realized multiple items were truly no longer available; however, many of the items were still in the store, but the registry print out was not providing corresponding isle numbers for item location. I spoke with a sales associate who was unable to determine why the registry was printing without isle numbers for easy location.
In addition, I requested assistance with registering for a travel system and high chair on display that I could not find corresponding boxes for. The sales associate was able to determine that the items on display were no longer for sale and that is why there were no longer boxes to go with the display items. I asked why the highchair and travel system were still on display if they were no longer for sale, but the sales associate was unable to answer this question. I shared frustration and concern with the sales associate over the disorganization of the infant / baby section, with the sales associate apologizing for the mess and stating, “You’re the third pregnant lady today who’s gotten upset over this section.”
As stated above, my shower was held on January the 27th and I received several duplicate items and items I did not register for. Unfortunately, I did not receive gift receipts for many of these items. When my husband and I attempted to exchange the duplicate and non registered items on January 28, we were informed that only two non-receipt items can be exchanged per person / per year. We asked to speak with a manager who quoted the same policy and I explained that the policy should not apply in this case for two reasons:
1. I received duplicate items on my registry because Target failed to mark the items off when notified by my friends and family.
2. I received multiple non registered for items because of the difficulty my friends and family had in locating registered items without isle numbers. In addition, the infant / baby section was highly disorganized during the re-stocking period, making it additionally difficult to locate registry items.
The store manager responded to my reasons with, “The infant section was not disorganized” and, “I can’t do anything about the store policy”.
I registered at Target because I liked the variety of infant and baby items you keep in stock and have previously had positive experiences at Target. I am highly disappointed and frustrated with the poorly managed re-stocking of the infant / baby section; exchange policies that have required me to keep duplicate gifts and gifts that I never registered for; and poor customer service I received at Target in Jefferson City, Missouri. I am only asking to exchange, not refund my gifts. My friends and family purchased items from Target because my baby shower invitation notified them I was registered at your store. They bought these gifts on good faith that I would be receiving what I needed and unfortunately that has not been my experience.
I am requesting that Target review its re-stocking program, exchange policies, and employee customer service education. I would appreciate a reply to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Danielle S.
Posted at 09:46 AM
Mon - January 22, 2007
Fan mail: Saving $800 in one day!
A reader today
writes:
Denise and Alan:
We've had your book for about a month or two now, after a friend recommended
buying it. We liked what we saw, and we thought it would be generally
helpful as we progressed through this new chapter in our lives. However,
with a due date of June, we hadn't really had an opportunity to apply any of
your advice. Well, that all changed this week. In fact, your book came in
handy twice in a twenty-four hour period.
First, we noted with interest, that the Bassett outlet was not too far from
us (p. 49 of your book) - we've lived in our current location for roughly
seven years, but had no idea about this place. Consequently, having
window-shopped for many cribs at a variety of retail establishments, we
decided to visit the outlet just to see how they compared. We came home
with a convertible crib that retailed at JC Penney for $499; our cost at the
outlet, new and in the box, was $157!
Next, we received an invitation to a seminar for expecting parents. It
sounded semi-interesting, and we were considering attending. We then noted
it was sponsored by Babee Tenda. So without missing a beat, we opened the
book to p. 54 and realized that this seminar was not how we wanted to spend
our time (or money). You figure with travel time, listening time, and the
possibility of an impulse purchase, we probably saved a minimum of $500.
So there you have it. Two incidents in a twenty-four hour period. We used
your book and saved at least $800. That's a pretty nice return on our
investment in your product, and we haven't even gotten out of chapter two
yet. Thanks a bunch!!!
Ryan and Theresa A.
BTW, we also purchased Baby 411
Denise and Alan:
We've had your book for about a month or two now, after a friend recommended
buying it. We liked what we saw, and we thought it would be generally
helpful as we progressed through this new chapter in our lives. However,
with a due date of June, we hadn't really had an opportunity to apply any of
your advice. Well, that all changed this week. In fact, your book came in
handy twice in a twenty-four hour period.
First, we noted with interest, that the Bassett outlet was not too far from
us (p. 49 of your book) - we've lived in our current location for roughly
seven years, but had no idea about this place. Consequently, having
window-shopped for many cribs at a variety of retail establishments, we
decided to visit the outlet just to see how they compared. We came home
with a convertible crib that retailed at JC Penney for $499; our cost at the
outlet, new and in the box, was $157!
Next, we received an invitation to a seminar for expecting parents. It
sounded semi-interesting, and we were considering attending. We then noted
it was sponsored by Babee Tenda. So without missing a beat, we opened the
book to p. 54 and realized that this seminar was not how we wanted to spend
our time (or money). You figure with travel time, listening time, and the
possibility of an impulse purchase, we probably saved a minimum of $500.
So there you have it. Two incidents in a twenty-four hour period. We used
your book and saved at least $800. That's a pretty nice return on our
investment in your product, and we haven't even gotten out of chapter two
yet. Thanks a bunch!!!
Ryan and Theresa A.
BTW, we also purchased Baby 411
Posted at 09:52 AM
Fri - January 19, 2007
RECALL: Graco Contempo Highchairs---Collapse Hazard
NEWS
from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs \
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007
Release #07-084
Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 445-1312
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Graco Children's Products Inc. Recalls to Repair Contempo Highchairs Due
to Collapse Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall to repair the following consumer product.
Name of Product: Graco Contempo Highchairs
Units: About 100,000
Manufacturer: Graco Children's Products Inc., of Exton, Pa.
Hazard: The highchair can collapse if it is not fully opened and locked
into place from the storage position prior to use. If the highchair
collapses, a child occupying the highchair can be injured.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 18 reports of the highchair
collapsing. There has been one report of an 18 month old male who
suffered a bruise on his foot. Additionally, there have been two reports
of the highchair collapsing outside of the United States.
Description: The Contempo highchairs have an "A" frame design. The
highchairs feature six height adjustment positions and three recline
positions. The recalled highchairs have model numbers that begin with
3800, 3803, 3804, 3805, 3810 and 3811 followed by a three letter fashion
code. Model numbers included in the recall include: 3800COU, 3800DRB,
3800FMT, 3800GGG, 3800GRM, 3800HEM, 3800JEN, 3800LEG, 3800MNS, 3800OWD,
3800SND, 3800TFE, 3800RIT, 3803HRL, 3804CNR, 3805BDA, 3810PEW, 3810PST
and 3811PST. The highchairs were manufactured from October 27, 2005
through November 22, 2006. The model number and manufacturing date are
printed underneath the snack tray of these highchairs.
Sold by: Babies "R" Us, Toys "R" Us, Target, Target.com, Wal-Mart,
Wal-Mart.com, Burlington Coat Factory, Shopko, AAFES, USA Baby and
various specialty retailers nationwide from December 2005 through
December 2006 for between $100 and $130.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should contact the firm to obtain instructions on how
to receive a free repair kit. Consumers can continue to use the
highchair until the repair kit is received but must make sure it is
fully opened first. Consumers should open the highchair until they hear
a "click" which indicates the hub is locked into place.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Graco toll-free at (877)
445-1312 anytime or go to the firm's Web site at www.gracobaby.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07084.html
************************************************************
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs \
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007
Release #07-084
Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 445-1312
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Graco Children's Products Inc. Recalls to Repair Contempo Highchairs Due
to Collapse Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall to repair the following consumer product.
Name of Product: Graco Contempo Highchairs
Units: About 100,000
Manufacturer: Graco Children's Products Inc., of Exton, Pa.
Hazard: The highchair can collapse if it is not fully opened and locked
into place from the storage position prior to use. If the highchair
collapses, a child occupying the highchair can be injured.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 18 reports of the highchair
collapsing. There has been one report of an 18 month old male who
suffered a bruise on his foot. Additionally, there have been two reports
of the highchair collapsing outside of the United States.
Description: The Contempo highchairs have an "A" frame design. The
highchairs feature six height adjustment positions and three recline
positions. The recalled highchairs have model numbers that begin with
3800, 3803, 3804, 3805, 3810 and 3811 followed by a three letter fashion
code. Model numbers included in the recall include: 3800COU, 3800DRB,
3800FMT, 3800GGG, 3800GRM, 3800HEM, 3800JEN, 3800LEG, 3800MNS, 3800OWD,
3800SND, 3800TFE, 3800RIT, 3803HRL, 3804CNR, 3805BDA, 3810PEW, 3810PST
and 3811PST. The highchairs were manufactured from October 27, 2005
through November 22, 2006. The model number and manufacturing date are
printed underneath the snack tray of these highchairs.
Sold by: Babies "R" Us, Toys "R" Us, Target, Target.com, Wal-Mart,
Wal-Mart.com, Burlington Coat Factory, Shopko, AAFES, USA Baby and
various specialty retailers nationwide from December 2005 through
December 2006 for between $100 and $130.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should contact the firm to obtain instructions on how
to receive a free repair kit. Consumers can continue to use the
highchair until the repair kit is received but must make sure it is
fully opened first. Consumers should open the highchair until they hear
a "click" which indicates the hub is locked into place.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Graco toll-free at (877)
445-1312 anytime or go to the firm's Web site at www.gracobaby.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07084.html
************************************************************
Posted at 06:41 PM Read More
Thu - January 18, 2007
Breaking News: Consumer Reports withdraws controversial car seat report
In
a stunning turnaround, Consumer Reports today withdrew its controversial infant
car seat report in which many seats failed.
Here is the CR statement, as posted on their web site:
Here is the CR statement, as posted on their web site:
CONSUMER
REPORTS WITHDRAWS INFANT
CAR SEAT REPORT
Move is made pending additional testing now
underway
NEW YORK (Jan. 18) -- Consumer Reports is withdrawing its recent report on infant car seats pending further tests of the performance of those seats in side-impact collisions.
A new report will be published with any necessary revisions as soon as possible after the new tests are complete.
We withdrew the report immediately upon discovering a substantive issue that may have affected the original test results. The issue came to light based on new information received Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the speed at which our side-impact tests were conducted.
The original study, published in the February issue of Consumer Reports, was aimed at discovering how infant seats performed in tests at speeds that match those used in the government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This program tests most new vehicles in crashes at speeds of 35 mph for frontal impact and 38 mph for side impact. Child safety seats, in contrast, are currently tested only in front-impact crashes at speeds of 30 mph.
Our tests were intended to simulate side crashes at the NCAP speed of 38 mph. The new information raises a question about whether the tests accurately simulated that speed, however, so we are now reviewing our tests and the resulting article.
To those who may have seen the report earlier in print, on the Web, or in broadcasts, we urge you to remember that use of any child seat is safer than no child seat, but to suspend judgment on the merits of individual products until the new testing has been completed and the report re-published.
We appreciate that manufacturers and particularly NHTSA are engaging directly with us on this article, and we applaud NHTSA for giving serious consideration to development of side-impact child seat tests. Consumer Reports has long advocated adoption of such tests, since government data shows that side crashes account for a significant number of child fatalities.
We look forward to re-issuing guidance on child-seat safety as soon as possible.
---
Here is the NHTSA's statement on this matter:
NEW YORK (Jan. 18) -- Consumer Reports is withdrawing its recent report on infant car seats pending further tests of the performance of those seats in side-impact collisions.
A new report will be published with any necessary revisions as soon as possible after the new tests are complete.
We withdrew the report immediately upon discovering a substantive issue that may have affected the original test results. The issue came to light based on new information received Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the speed at which our side-impact tests were conducted.
The original study, published in the February issue of Consumer Reports, was aimed at discovering how infant seats performed in tests at speeds that match those used in the government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This program tests most new vehicles in crashes at speeds of 35 mph for frontal impact and 38 mph for side impact. Child safety seats, in contrast, are currently tested only in front-impact crashes at speeds of 30 mph.
Our tests were intended to simulate side crashes at the NCAP speed of 38 mph. The new information raises a question about whether the tests accurately simulated that speed, however, so we are now reviewing our tests and the resulting article.
To those who may have seen the report earlier in print, on the Web, or in broadcasts, we urge you to remember that use of any child seat is safer than no child seat, but to suspend judgment on the merits of individual products until the new testing has been completed and the report re-published.
We appreciate that manufacturers and particularly NHTSA are engaging directly with us on this article, and we applaud NHTSA for giving serious consideration to development of side-impact child seat tests. Consumer Reports has long advocated adoption of such tests, since government data shows that side crashes account for a significant number of child fatalities.
We look forward to re-issuing guidance on child-seat safety as soon as possible.
---
Here is the NHTSA's statement on this matter:
|
NHTSA
01-07
Thursday, January 18, 2007 |
|
Statement From National Highway
Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole Nason Regarding
Consumer
Reports’ Withdrawal of Its
Infant Car Seat Test Report
“Consumer
Reports was right to withdraw its infant car
seat test report and I appreciate that they have taken this corrective action.
We are always eager to work with Consumer
Reports and other organizations to improve child
safety and ensure that consumers continue to have access to accurate and
credible data. I was troubled by the report because it frightened parents and
could have discouraged them from using car seats. It is absolutely essential for
every parent to understand that the safest place in an automobile for an infant
is in a car seat. Simply put, car seats are the best defense for a child in a
crash.
“Our initial review of the
Consumer
Reports testing procedures showed a significant
error in the manner in which it conducted and reported on its side-impact tests.
The organization’s data show its side-impact tests were actually conducted
under conditions that would represent being struck in excess of 70 mph, twice as
fast as the group claimed. When NHTSA tested the same child seats in conditions
representing the 38.5 mph conditions claimed by
Consumer
Reports, the seats stayed in their bases as they
should, instead of failing dramatically.”
------
For more discussion on this topic, see our car seat message board. And an archive of our comments on this topic is here. We'll have more info on this story as it happens!
For more discussion on this topic, see our car seat message board. And an archive of our comments on this topic is here. We'll have more info on this story as it happens!
Posted at 01:47 PM Read More
Fri - January 5, 2007
Consumer Reports drops car seat bombshell: 10 out of 12 seats fail indie tests
Consumer
Reports dropped a bombshell on the car seat market Thursday, previewing a
February 2007 article in which the magazine will reveal that
10 out of 12 infant car seats failed their independent crash
test.
In a nutshell, Consumer Reports decided to make their test tougher than the government's test---and as a result, many seats that PASSED the US government test failed the CR test. Instead of putting seats through a 30 mph test (the federal standard), CR tested to 35mph and then added a new twist: a 35 mph SIDE IMPACT test.
The car seat makers must be shell shocked at this moment, as ALL brands had at least one seat fail. But the manufacturers have only themselves to blame---many have been busy rolling out models that claim increased side impact protection (Peg Perego's Primo Viaggio "SIP," Britax's marketing, etc). CR could rightly claim it is just calling the seat maker’s bluff.
Of course, that doesn't mean all seats that claim side impact protection are unsafe in, say, a side impact collision. But I imagine the companies will think long and hard about puffing up claims about safety . . . without making sure the seats can perform in the real world.
To be fair, the federal government does NOT require seats to be side-impact crash tested. So the companies can legitimately claim their seats DO pass current standards . . . . but shame on makers like Britax, which clearly plays the safety card in its marketing. Their Companion infant seat failed CR's 35 mph crash (after passing the 30 mph test).
And let's not let Consumer Reports off the hook: once again, they do an expert job of generating headlines about failed car seats . . . but refuse to share DETAILS about how the tests where conducted and specifics about which seats failed certain tests. Instead, we get oblique lines like this:
When we performed side-impact tests at 38 mph, eight models failed. Four of the seats flew out of their bases.
Which seats failed the side impact tests? Who knows! While CR includes a summary of the results in their ratings, we only know that 2 seats passed all the tests (the Graco SnugRide and Baby Trend Flex-Loc). CR warns that four other seats (Chicco KeyFit, Compass I410, Evenflo Embrace, or Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP) should be used with vehicle safety belts (NOT LATCH), since those seats peformed worse with LATCH.
As we have blogged before, CR can't call for others to be more transparent without applying the same standard to itself. To that end, we'd like to see CR's results peer-reviewed before being released to the public. That means a panel of safety techs double checks the crash test results. And CR should divulge the raw crash testing data on its web site---all the seats, all the tests, all the results. Spoon-feeding us a summary is fine for the magazine, but use the web to give us the detailed info. Come on, CR.
We'd also like to see CR explain how the very same seats can score differently in its tests from 2005 vs 2007. Example: in the May 2005 test, the Peg Primo Viaggio SIP scored a "very good" in the crash test for LATCH. Now it is 2007 and the seat (very similar in design, with added side impact protection) gets the LOWEST rating (poor). Huh? Was this because CR changed the test? No one knows.
CR's behavior opens itself up for criticism that distracts from the main debate---there SHOULD be a federal standard for side-impact car seat testing (while these crashes only account for a very small percentage of fatalities to children in car seats, there should be SOME standard). And the government should publish five-star ratings for car seat tests, just like they do for cars. Yet, thanks to CR's behavior, witness the ridiculous response of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to the controversy.
The JPMA says, don't worry, be happy! Apparently, the JPMA's lawyers pulled an all-nighter to whip out sympathetic government statements (complete with dock number!) to say that, hey, we don't need tougher tests! And if we did, it would make car seats cost more! That's embarrassing for an organization that shamelessly promotes a Baby Safety Month and a product safety certification program . . . yes, we believe in safety, but only if the government mandates us to do it.
What the JPMA SHOULD have done is say that it takes CR's tests (and call for greater car seat safety) seriously---and it will launch an investigation into whether seats should be recalled, standards should change, etc. The JPMA should work with CR to make things better, instead of issuing press releases telling parents not to look behind the curtain.
So, let's sum it up. Here's the take-home message:
• CURRENT infant car seats like we recommend in BABY BARGAINS (such as the Graco Snug Ride) are safe.
• If you have one of the seat's CR said didn't perform well with LATCH (like the Peg Perego seat), use it with the vehicle belts.
• No matter what infant car seat you have, get it safety inspected! This ensures you have it properly installed. See our book for sources.
• If you are using one of the seat's CR says should be recalled (the Evenflo Discovery, Eddie Bauer Comfort), STOP using it immediately and seek an alternative seat.
We will continue to cover this story in coming days. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates and fallout.
In a nutshell, Consumer Reports decided to make their test tougher than the government's test---and as a result, many seats that PASSED the US government test failed the CR test. Instead of putting seats through a 30 mph test (the federal standard), CR tested to 35mph and then added a new twist: a 35 mph SIDE IMPACT test.
The car seat makers must be shell shocked at this moment, as ALL brands had at least one seat fail. But the manufacturers have only themselves to blame---many have been busy rolling out models that claim increased side impact protection (Peg Perego's Primo Viaggio "SIP," Britax's marketing, etc). CR could rightly claim it is just calling the seat maker’s bluff.
Of course, that doesn't mean all seats that claim side impact protection are unsafe in, say, a side impact collision. But I imagine the companies will think long and hard about puffing up claims about safety . . . without making sure the seats can perform in the real world.
To be fair, the federal government does NOT require seats to be side-impact crash tested. So the companies can legitimately claim their seats DO pass current standards . . . . but shame on makers like Britax, which clearly plays the safety card in its marketing. Their Companion infant seat failed CR's 35 mph crash (after passing the 30 mph test).
And let's not let Consumer Reports off the hook: once again, they do an expert job of generating headlines about failed car seats . . . but refuse to share DETAILS about how the tests where conducted and specifics about which seats failed certain tests. Instead, we get oblique lines like this:
When we performed side-impact tests at 38 mph, eight models failed. Four of the seats flew out of their bases.
Which seats failed the side impact tests? Who knows! While CR includes a summary of the results in their ratings, we only know that 2 seats passed all the tests (the Graco SnugRide and Baby Trend Flex-Loc). CR warns that four other seats (Chicco KeyFit, Compass I410, Evenflo Embrace, or Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP) should be used with vehicle safety belts (NOT LATCH), since those seats peformed worse with LATCH.
As we have blogged before, CR can't call for others to be more transparent without applying the same standard to itself. To that end, we'd like to see CR's results peer-reviewed before being released to the public. That means a panel of safety techs double checks the crash test results. And CR should divulge the raw crash testing data on its web site---all the seats, all the tests, all the results. Spoon-feeding us a summary is fine for the magazine, but use the web to give us the detailed info. Come on, CR.
We'd also like to see CR explain how the very same seats can score differently in its tests from 2005 vs 2007. Example: in the May 2005 test, the Peg Primo Viaggio SIP scored a "very good" in the crash test for LATCH. Now it is 2007 and the seat (very similar in design, with added side impact protection) gets the LOWEST rating (poor). Huh? Was this because CR changed the test? No one knows.
CR's behavior opens itself up for criticism that distracts from the main debate---there SHOULD be a federal standard for side-impact car seat testing (while these crashes only account for a very small percentage of fatalities to children in car seats, there should be SOME standard). And the government should publish five-star ratings for car seat tests, just like they do for cars. Yet, thanks to CR's behavior, witness the ridiculous response of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to the controversy.
The JPMA says, don't worry, be happy! Apparently, the JPMA's lawyers pulled an all-nighter to whip out sympathetic government statements (complete with dock number!) to say that, hey, we don't need tougher tests! And if we did, it would make car seats cost more! That's embarrassing for an organization that shamelessly promotes a Baby Safety Month and a product safety certification program . . . yes, we believe in safety, but only if the government mandates us to do it.
What the JPMA SHOULD have done is say that it takes CR's tests (and call for greater car seat safety) seriously---and it will launch an investigation into whether seats should be recalled, standards should change, etc. The JPMA should work with CR to make things better, instead of issuing press releases telling parents not to look behind the curtain.
So, let's sum it up. Here's the take-home message:
• CURRENT infant car seats like we recommend in BABY BARGAINS (such as the Graco Snug Ride) are safe.
• If you have one of the seat's CR said didn't perform well with LATCH (like the Peg Perego seat), use it with the vehicle belts.
• No matter what infant car seat you have, get it safety inspected! This ensures you have it properly installed. See our book for sources.
• If you are using one of the seat's CR says should be recalled (the Evenflo Discovery, Eddie Bauer Comfort), STOP using it immediately and seek an alternative seat.
We will continue to cover this story in coming days. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates and fallout.
Posted at 10:36 AM Read More
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Published On: May 02, 2007 05:12 PM
Published On: May 02, 2007 05:12 PM