These are often sold on third-party online marketplaces (like Temu or Shein) and typically do not meet U.S. federal safety standards. :

: Authentic seats must include a registration card and a clear, informative user manual.

: Look for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or international phone numbers instead of a U.S. contact.

: Every authentic seat should have a label stating: "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" .

: A critical component that prevents child ejection during a crash.

: Flimsy plastic shells or thin straps that pull apart easily.

When choosing a car seat, safety experts and organizations like the and Consumer Reports primarily advise against purchasing three categories: counterfeit seats , secondhand seats , and those that have been recalled . 1. Counterfeit Car Seats