What should parents do if they suspect their car seat has been compromised by a crash?

When parents suspect that their car seat has been compromised by a crash, the best course of action is to check the car seat manufacturer's guidelines, which often recommend replacement. This is crucial because even if there is no visible damage, a car seat can still sustain structural integrity issues after a collision that may not be immediately apparent. Many manufacturers have clear policies that state that a car seat should be replaced after any crash, regardless of the severity.

This recommendation is based on safety testing and research that have shown that the materials and design of a car seat may not function as intended after absorbing the forces of a crash, even a minor one. Ensuring that the seat is fully functional and safe for future use is paramount for the child's safety, reinforcing that the recommendation for replacement is not just precautionary but necessary for optimal protection in future accidents.