LANCASTER, PA — Chicco and CarGurus are launching a child-passenger safety initiative this September that links vehicle selection with proper car-seat installation, targeting families whose changing space and safety requirements can influence their car-buying decisions.
The companies introduced the “Family Fit Factor” for Baby Safety Month, offering parents free installation videos and guidance on choosing vehicles and car seats that work together as children grow.
The initiative addresses a practical overlap between the automotive and child-safety markets. CarGurus research found households with children were nearly twice as likely as those without children to cite a lifestyle change, such as having children, as a reason for their most recent vehicle purchase.
Chicco, which is based in Lancaster, said its research found 52% of parents manage multiple car seats in a single vehicle.
Vehicle configuration can affect whether those seats can be installed properly and whether families have sufficient room as children progress through different types of restraints.
“With nearly half of car seats installed incorrectly, the details matter,” William Hasse, vice president of marketing for Chicco USA, said. “Our partnership with CarGurus helps parents go a step further to better understand how using a car seat correctly and vehicle choice work hand-in-hand.”
The companies are advising consumers to consider seating layout, available space and car-seat installation methods when evaluating vehicles, including whether a model can accommodate multiple car seats.
Families should also consider how a vehicle will handle future passengers and different car-seat stages rather than basing a purchase solely on immediate needs, according to Chicco Child Passenger Safety Technician Josh Dilts and CarGurus automotive expert David Undercoffler.
They also recommend periodically checking the fit of both the child and car seat as children grow and avoiding transitions between restraint stages until a child meets the appropriate size and readiness requirements.
“Families with children are going into the shopping process with a unique set of considerations,” Undercoffler said. “They’re prioritizing safety, space, and how a vehicle will fit their family’s needs as they grow.”
The Family Fit Factor includes step-by-step car-seat installation videos, advice from Chicco and CarGurus specialists and a child-passenger safety episode of CarGurus’ “The Driveway” podcast.
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