Harris County ESD 48 Raises Alarm After Fake Doona Car Seats Discovered at Local Safety Event
A recent child passenger safety check hosted by Harris County ESD 48 Fire Department, in partnership with Safe Kids Greater Houston and assistance from Fulshear Simonton Fire Department, uncovered a troubling trend that could put children’s lives at risk: counterfeit Doona car seats appearing in the hands of unsuspecting parents.
During the community event, held to help families ensure their car seats meet current safety guidelines, technicians discovered two fake Doona car seats—one bearing a doctored brand logo with unauthorized foreign safety tags, and another modeled entirely after the real product but believed to have been purchased from online platforms like Temu. Neither seat met U.S. federal safety requirements, and officials confirmed that similar imitation seats have failed crash testing.
“If you possess or have seen one of these seats, please cease using it immediately,” Fulshear Simonton Fire Department posted. “Although Temu has halted production of their version, these imitations are still in circulation.”
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Parents in Nottingham Country Encouraged to Double-Check Car Seats
The Doona, a popular stroller-car seat hybrid known for its convenience and sleek design, has become a top target for counterfeit manufacturing. Online marketplaces are flooded with look-alikes—many of which do not comply with U.S. safety standards.
And that’s where the danger lies. These imitation seats may lack:
- Structural integrity during a crash
- Proper harness systems
- LATCH compatibility for U.S. vehicles
- Legally required safety labels and documentation
In the event of a wreck—on I-10, Highway 6, or any of Katy’s busy roads—a counterfeit car seat could be the weakest link in your family’s safety plan.
Know the Law: Car Seat Standards and Legal Requirements
All car seats sold in the U.S. must adhere to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 213). This includes:
- Crash testing at 30 mph
- Side-impact protection (starting December 2026 under FMVSS 213a)
- Clear product labeling with expiration dates and certification
In Texas, state law mandates that:
- Children under 8 must ride in a car seat or booster unless they are 4’9” or taller
- All vehicle occupants must be properly secured by a seat belt or safety seat system
- Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to $250
(Source: Fulshear Simonton Fire Department)Texas Crash Data and the Real-Life Consequences of Unsafe Car Seats
According to TxDOT, in 2021 alone:
- 78 children under 8 died in traffic accidents in Texas
- 22 of those children were unrestrained
- 46% of car seats inspected at Texas events were misused, expired, or unsafe
Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, but only if they’re properly made and installed.
Unfortunately, counterfeit car seats often appear legitimate, even to a trained eye. That’s why events like those hosted by Harris County ESD 48 and Safe Kids are essential to keeping families informed and protected.
Harris County ESD 48: What Local Families Should Do Right Now
For Nottingham Country parents, grandparents and relatives of children currently using car seats, here’s how to make sure your child’s car seat is safe:
Inspect Your Seat for These Key Details
- FMVSS 213 certification label (usually on the base or side)
- U.S.-based manufacturer and customer service info
- Registration card and expiration date
- No foreign-language-only safety tags
Avoid These Common Risks
- Purchasing car seats from Temu, AliExpress, or unverified sellers
- Using hand-me-down or secondhand seats without full safety history
- Installing without a technician check
Get Help from Trusted Sources
- Schedule a free one-on-one car seat check with a Certified Technician through ESD 48 and Safe Kids Greater Houston – includes hands-on harnessing and installation practice. Request an appointment online here.
- Check recalls at nhtsa.gov
- Call or visit your closest Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)
Register Your Car Seat
This ensures you’ll receive critical updates, including recall notices or defect alerts, from the manufacturer directly.
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Protecting Children Starts with Community Awareness
Every parent wants to do the right thing—but fake products and confusing labels can make that difficult. That’s why Harris County ESD 48 is committed to educating the community and providing tools that save lives.
“It is crucial to purchase only U.S. tested and certified child safety seats,” said officials.
It’s a message worth repeating. Share it with your Nottingham Country neighbors. Ask your child’s daycare if they check for car seat compliance. Talk to your school’s resource officer about inspection events. The more people know, the safer we’ll all be on Katy’s roads.
Stay Connected
Keep up with My Neighborhood News for updates on local safety events, back-to-school resources, and family health programs throughout Harris County ESD 48’s service area.
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.
