Consumer Reports has withdrawn its recent report on frontal and side-impact crash tests conducted on rear-facing infant-only car safety seats. Consumer Reports has acknowledged that there was "a substantive issue that may have affected the original test results." (Click here for the statement from Consumer Reports)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the side-impact crash tests conducted by Consumer Reports simulated a crash of more than 70 mph, about twice as fast as intended. When NHTSA tested the same car safety seats at the intended speed of 38.5 mph, the seats stayed in their bases as they should. (Click here for the statement from NHTSA)

In consideration of the concerns and confusion parents and pediatricians may have about protecting infant passengers, the American Academy of Pediatrics reiterates its guidance about car safety seats:

• Parents should continue to use car safety seats on every trip for every child.
• Parents should read and follow the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturers? instructions for their car safety seat.
• Car safety seats have been shown to be highly effective in reducing death and injury due to motor vehicle crashes. According to NHTSA, car safety seats are 71% effective in reducing deaths for infants and 54% effective in reducing deaths for children ages 1 to 4 years. Belt-positioning booster seats reduce the risk of injury by 59% for children ages 4 through 7 years. Clearly, restraining infants and children in the proper car safety seat does help keep them safe.
• The best seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and that you will use correctly on every trip.
• The Academy believes that current standards for testing of car safety seats are useful and rigorous but that the standards can and should be improved continually. In addition, car safety seat manufacturers should strive to enhance the safety of their products on an ongoing basis.
• Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are trained in installing car safety seats properly and can help parents make sure their children are as safe as possible on the road. To find an inspection station, visit http://www.seatcheck.org or call toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243).