WWYD? regarding Cosco Regal Ride

[Mommy090804]

I should have been paying attention when it hit the news about six weeks ago, but I finally checked the seat and this is what I found:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v448/PinkBundle1/?action=view&current=DSC00002.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v448/PinkBundle1/?action=view&current=DSC00007.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v448/PinkBundle1/?action=view&current=DSC00008.jpg

Yes, it's a Regal Ride manufactured in June of 2005. I guess I wasn't worried because it was manufactured mid-2005 and I thought Dorel stopped making them early 2005.

What would you do? Would you continue to use the seat? Would you call Dorel? The seat is used for my 14 month old DS three times a week right now. He is RFing in the bottom slots.

Here is the link to the original article and pictures:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/s...l=chi-news-hed

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/chi-070708carseats-photogallery,0,2020517.photogallery?index=7

Sorry, I have never posted pictures before and don't know how to put them right in the thread, nor do I know how to create "links".

[snowbird25ca]

This is a tough question, because Dorel's view is that there is no safety risk and thus no recall. So while you could call Dorel, I'm not sure it would get you very far because I don't think they've created a consumer "fix kit" (for lack of a better term.)

I'm of two thoughts, and I guess what you do will be based on both budget and your comfort level.

Option 1: Just replace the seat - it's not worth the constant worrying every time he's in the seat.
Option 2: Continue using the seat. I think I may have seen someone mention covering the hole up with styrofoam and taping it, but I don't remember for sure and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that...

My belief - In most circumstances the notch doesn't pose a risk, but you have no way to know when that specific type of collision could occur, and if your ds would be at the right size for it to affect him or not. My understanding is only kids of a certain size are at the right level to be injured by the notch, and the impact would have to be just right to put the child's head into it.

Is it dangerous to keep using the seat? Probably not - but there's a possible risk, which would always linger in your mind. If you can spend $80 on a scenera, that's what I'd do. The peace of mind for me would be worth it. I don't think that in most collisions the notch poses a risk, but how do you know if you had a crash that your specific collision would fall into that category?

I'm not one for knee jerk reactions, but if a parent asked me if they should buy a seat with a notch, I'd probably say no. So for the same reason, I won't tell you to just keep using the seat. If I wasn't asked, it's not something I would think to look for or ask about because it's not top of my list of concerns - but since it's a concern of yours, then my recommendation would be to do what's going to let you sleep peacefully at night and not worry about your ds's safety in the car.

Sometimes it doesn't matter if a seat passes crash tests - if you don't feel confident that the seat will protect your son, then I wouldn't keep using it. :twocents:

[CRS]

My thoughts are........ if you can financially afford to get another seat and it will not put you in hardship of any kind, then absolutely get another seat! If anything, for peace of mind :) I seriously wouldn't stress too much about it if you can't replace it though.

[shashoo]

I find this so strange because my Regal Ride was manufactured December of 2003 and does not have the notch problem. How can they fix some of the seats and not others? I heard that the only fixed a few molds at a time, but this is at least an 18 month time span.

[Aprilmom]

I have a Century Accel with the notches as well, man June/03 so it isn't just Dorel with this issue!

[CDNTech]

I have a Century Accel with the notches as well, man June/03 so it isn't just Dorel with this issue!

I believe Century is owned by Dorel. ;) The Accel/Touriva/Regal Ride are all the same seat.

[Dillipop]

I believe Century is owned by Dorel. ;) The Accel/Touriva/Regal Ride are all the same seat.

Nope, century is owned by graco. The comfortsport and accel are the same seat.

[CDNTech]

Nope, century is owned by graco. The comfortsport and accel are the same seat.

Oops! You're right. That's what I get for posting early in the morning. :p :D

[snowbird25ca]

Oops! You're right. That's what I get for posting early in the morning. :p :D

I thought that at first last night too until I went and looked at the pictorial..lol.

Evenflo has had notches too. I imagine any company that has made an OHS seat out of the same mold as a 5pt has 5pts with these notches because they weren't seen as safety concerns.