6 months ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- It's one of the hippest and most expensive baby travel systems. Even the company touts that who who's of pop culture uses the $900 stroller-car seat combo.
The Orbit is like other travel systems, a child seat can either be snapped into its stroller or latched into its car-seat base.
But tests conducted by Consumer Reports at a specialized lab showed two out of six seats failed in simulated crashes.
Jennifer Stockburger says, "In one case, when the seat was installed with LATCH and it tested to the federal standard, it detached from its base. In the second case it did so when attached with the lap and shoulder belt. Though there have been no reported injuries, we do feel that this poses a safety risk."
Consumer Reports contacted the maker of Orbit Baby. The company insists its seat is safe and said, "We took immediate action and scheduled further extensive testing at the same certified test lab. All of the car seats subjected to these test passed."
Still Consumer Reports says don't buy the Orbit Infant System. And, if you own it use it without the base.
"In this case, you'll strap it directly into your car using the seatbelts. And, in that configuration it passed our crash tests," says Jennifer.
But you don't have to spend $900 for a travel system. The $25 Graco Stylus Travel System passed all tests and was named a Consumer Reports Best Buy.
If you're installing a car seat or not sure you've dont it correctly, it's highly recommended you go to a car-seat installation checkpoint for help.
And if you have more questions or concerns about the Orbit Infant Travel System call the company at 877-ORB-BABY or 877-672-2229.
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