When you purchase a car seat for your child, it’s important to keep up to date on any recalls that might occur. Check the news frequently, and visit those websites that will keep you up on which car seat recalls might be in effect.

But what should you do if the frightening happens, and your child’s car seat is recalled?

First, visit the website for the recalled seat, or call the toll-free number. The manufacturer will likely have a special webpage or phone line set up strictly for the recall.

Whenever there’s a recall, car seat companies won’t mess around. They want to make sure your child is safe. Just follow the instructions you see on the website or hear on the phone line.

When you visit the website or phone the manufacturer, be sure you have the child’s car seat in hand. You might need the serial number or the model name, which will usually be printed in the instruction manual.

You will likely be advised to continue using the seat until a repair kit reaches you. Remember, in almost every case, it is safer for your child to ride in a recalled seat than to ride in a car with no child safety restraint.

Another way to stay on top of car seat recalls for your child’s car seat is to register the seat with the manufacturer when you purchase it. All car seats (like many products) come with a registration card.

Most people just throw these away. When it comes to a product like this, it is important to register it and give the company a way to contact you.

While you can’t do anything to ensure that they won’t send advertisements to your address, you can at least rest assured that you’ll be contacted in the event of a recall.

Remember, just because a car seat has a recall, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad seat. Errors occur in all manufacturing, and when these errors are found in a car seat, the company usually works very quickly to correct them.

If you still have concerns after a car seat recall, talk to someone at the company. They will probably be able to ease your mind, or recommend another course of action.