WinnMed Warns Community About Dangerous Rise in Counterfeit Car Seats

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. DECORAH — WinnMed is alerting parents, caregivers and the broader community to a concerning rise in counterfeit car seats being sold online. The knockoff seats are increasingly appearing on popular shopping platforms such as Amazon through third-party sellers, Temu, TikTok Shop and other online marketplaces. Because the seats often mimic well-known brands and carry appealingly low price tags, families may unknowingly purchase unsafe products—particularly when shopping for secondary vehicles or for grandparents who transport children occasionally. Why this mattersCounterfeit car seats do not meet federal safety standards and will not protect a child in the event of a crash. Reports show imitation seats can twist, crumble or completely fail under accident-level pressure. Crash-test videos of counterfeit seats illustrate how quickly these products can collapse during impact. WinnMed encourages families to share the information within their networks. To help families identify counterfeit products, the Iowa Child Passenger Safety program offers guidance reposted on the WinnMed website at winnmed.org/service/obstetrics. One key safety requirement families should know: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires every legitimate car seat to have a permanent, visible label stating it meets federal safety standards. The label, typically printed in red, must include the exact language: "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards." If the label is missing, the seat should not be used. WinnMed resourcesWinnMed has four certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on staff who provide support to families selecting, installing and evaluating child safety seats at no charge. Erin Mann, RN, a WinnMed obstetrics nurse and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, said families already have many factors to consider when purchasing a car seat. "You shouldn't also have to worry about whether the seat is real or not," Mann said. "As a Child Passenger Safety Technician, my main goal is to help ensure your child travels from point A to point B as safely as possible. My colleagues and I can help ensure your seat is appropriate for your child, fits correctly in your vehicle, is authentic and will keep your little one safe." Free bimonthly car seat checks are held at WinnMed's east entrance from 4 to 6 p.m. Upcoming 2026 dates are March 12, May 14, July 9, Sept. 10 and Nov. 12. Appointments also may be scheduled by calling 563-387-5361. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.