Exploring child safety products, particularly car seats, overwhelms parents: survey

Rockleigh, NJ — Does researching child safety products make you want to find the nearest stress reliever? If so, you’re far from alone.

Ninety-two percent of parents say they feel overwhelmed when looking into safety products for their children, according to the results of a recent online survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of automaker Volvo Car USA.

Car seats were the top concern. Among a sample of 1,083 adult parents – each with minor children living at home – 71 percent reported that the number of available car seat models astounded them, while 58 percent found researching car seats frustrating.

Other findings:

• 32 percent of parents second-guess their car seat purchase after buying it, including 41 percent of new parents and 47 percent of millennial parents.
• Finding the safest seat (36 percent), installing it (20 percent) and staying current with recalls (19 percent) are the top sources of car seat-related stress.
• Once they’ve purchased a seat, only 35 percent of parents check the seat’s expiration date or remove the child’s coat before placing said child into the seat.

“Nothing is more important to parents than their children’s safety, and despite the overwhelming options available, it’s clear they are looking for more guidance and direction to ensure they are making the right choices,” Volvo spokesman Jim Nichols said in a press release.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers guidance for parents and caregivers on its website.