Health Canada Recalls Inflatable Child Booster Seats, Citing Injury Risk

The UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat was the subject of a recall issued June 28, 2024. (Health Canada/Handout)

Health Canada is recommending consumers cease use of the UberBoost inflatable booster car seat immediately, saying it could potentially increase the risk of injury during a collision.

The booster seats are sold on Amazon and are marketed as a convenient and space-saving way to ensure children have a booster seat with them wherever they go.

They inflate and deflate within seconds, according to online advertisements, which say the seats meet U.S. federal regulations. The seats do not meet the safety requirements of Canada’s Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations, the health agency says.

“The use of these restraints in a motor vehicle is illegal under provincial and territorial highway regulations,” the June 28 recall notice said.

A total of 272 seats have been sold in Canada, the health agency said, noting that there have been no reports of injuries or incidents thus far.

Consumers have been advised to dispose of the seats in a way that prevents them from being used again.

The booster seats being recalled come in a handful of colour combinations and have the Amazon Standard identification numbers, B07R6NVP770, B07RR7ZYGY, and B07RB2KRCS.

Amazon.ca has been directed to remove the booster seats from its online store, according to Health Canada, noting that it has also recommended foreign companies stop selling the product.

Health Canada is also advising parents to use caution when buying carseats and booster seats online. Consumers should look for a National Safety Mark, which is a round label with a maple leaf in the centre, and a product information label attached to the seat.

The National Safety Mark signifies the product complies with Canadian laws and rules. Without the sign, Health Canada said, it doesn’t know how well the seat will perform in a collision.

“Using a seat without the National Safety Mark may also violate the law in your province or territory,” the agency said.

Transport Canada said last September it had found some online stores selling carseats and booster seats without the National Safety Mark.

Consumers who bought a carseat or booster seat that does not have a National Safety Mark are advised to check provincial or territorial laws to see if they can use a seat without the mark.

Transport Canada also recommends contacting the seller to return the item.