Fulshear Simonton Fire Department Warns Families of Dangerous Fake Doona Car Seats Found at Local Safety Check
A routine community safety effort turned into a critical warning for families this week when Fulshear Simonton Fire Department, assisting with a car seat check hosted by Harris County ESD 48 and Safe Kids Greater Houston, encountered two counterfeit Doona car seats—both unfit for use and potentially deadly.
One seat, officials said, carried the recognizable Doona brand logo but had foreign safety labels not authorized for U.S. use. The second was a full imitation, modeled after the popular Doona design, and reportedly sourced from online marketplaces like Temu. Neither car seat had been approved for sale in the U.S., and some imitation models tested under American standards have failed alarmingly.
“If you possess or have seen one of these seats, please cease using it immediately,” the department shared on social media. “Although Temu has halted production of their version, these imitations are still in circulation."
Why This Is a Wake-Up Call for Local Parents
Doona car seats are beloved by many parents for their all-in-one design, but their popularity has made them a prime target for counterfeiting—and fake versions may look convincing while offering none of the real protection.
The danger isn't cosmetic. These imitation seats may lack proper crash protection, fail to latch securely, or come apart on impact. In emergency response scenarios—especially on roads like FM 1093 or the Westpark Tollway—a substandard seat can mean the difference between life and death.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
What the Law Says: Car Seat Safety Requirements in the U.S. and Texas
To be legally sold in the U.S., car seats must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 213), including rigorous crash testing and clear labeling requirements like:
- Model and manufacture date
- U.S. compliance statement
- Expiration date
- Proper instructions and registration information
A new federal standard—FMVSS 213a—is set to take effect in December 2026, requiring all car seats for children under 40 pounds to pass side-impact testing simulating a 30 mph T-bone collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most current U.S.-approved car seats already meet or exceed these benchmarks, but counterfeit versions do not.
In Texas, car seat laws are equally clear:
- Children under 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches, must be secured in a U.S.-approved car seat.
- All passengers—including children—must be properly buckled in accordance with the vehicle’s safety system.
- Violations can result in fines up to $250, but more importantly, risk your child’s life.
(Source: Fulshear Simonton Fire Department)Local Data: Car Seat Misuse and Child Fatalities in Texas
The numbers tell a troubling story:
- In 2021, 78 children under 8 were killed in Texas crashes. 22 of them were not restrained.
- Among children aged 8–12, another 36 were killed, with 13 unrestrained.
A TxDOT study found that 46% of car seats inspected in Texas are misused—due to incorrect installation, expired components, or unsafe models, including counterfeit seats. And even though Houston-area technicians inspect thousands of seats annually, counterfeit seats often slip through the cracks until a crisis occurs.
What Fulshear Area Parents Should Do Right Now
Whether you’re in Cross Creek Ranch, Weston Lakes, or Westheimer Lakes, here's how to protect your family:
Check Your Seat
- Look for a certified FMVSS 213 label
- Confirm the expiration date
- Check for a registration card and model number
- Beware of too-good-to-be-true prices or unusual shipping origins
Avoid These Pitfalls
- Do not purchase child seats from Temu, AliExpress, or unknown third-party sellers without verification
- Avoid used seats from unknown sources, which could be expired or recalled
Use Trusted Resources
- Attend a local car seat check event (often hosted by Harris County ESD 48 or Safe Kids Greater Houston)
- Visit nhtsa.gov to check for recalls
- Call Texas Safe Riders or a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for free help installing or inspecting your seat
Register Your Seat
If you own a Doona or any other brand, register your seat with the manufacturer. This ensures you’ll be notified in case of a recall or defect.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
A Community Safety Reminder That Hits Home
This isn’t just a warning for someone else. The families who brought these counterfeit seats likely had no idea they were unsafe—and that’s what makes this so dangerous. It’s easy to be fooled by a professional-looking label or a discounted online deal. But our kids deserve better.
“It is crucial to purchase only U.S. tested and certified child safety seats,” Fulshear Simonton Fire Department emphasized.
Let’s take that advice to heart. Spread the word. Talk to your neighbors. Ask your daycare or school if they’re aware of these risks. Every parent in Fort Bend County deserves to know.
Stay Informed
Follow My Neighborhood News for ongoing updates about local family safety programs, fire department events, and child passenger safety resources in the Fulshear area. Looking for the next car seat check or community safety event? Stay tuned—we’ll have coverage and reminders as they’re announced.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
