Britax Child Safety Recalls 55,500 Child Restraints

Britax Child Safety is recalling almost 55,500 child restraints because some children have tried to eat portions of them, according a report the company filed recently with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In that report Britax said the seats being recalled have “an enhanced harness system” chest pad that uses a softer “nontoxic material to provide increased safety and comfort.”

The problem, according to Britax, is three reports of children biting off parts of that harness, then gagging. There was no mention of a more serious injury.

The company said it had since changed the pads “to increase their durability and hardness,” apparently in the hope of making them less chewable.

Owners of the older models will receive the new pads.

The models being recalled are the Boulevard 70-G3; Pavilion 70-G3 and the Advocate 70-G3.

Britax described the recall as voluntary, but once a manufacturer is aware of a problem it has no choice, within five business days, to notify the safety agency of its plan for a recall.