Parent-proof child seat app sends alerts

Connected technology has reached the smallest seat in the car.

We're seeing more and more electronic nannies in cars -- stability, traction and braking controls for a start. But a new child seat takes the idea to real nanny status with app connectivity that sends alerts to a parent's smartphone.

Developed by Tomy in the US, the First Years IAlert seat includes an inbuilt system of sensors that monitor and sends a warning if the seatbelt becomes undone, the seat changes angle, the temperature becomes too high or low -- and if the child is left in it after the car has stopped.

The system can send alerts to the phone even if it's not in the car, meaning that parents will be able to keep a remote eye on their little one. The seat will go on sale in the US around September, with pricing yet to be announced but estimated at around $250 there.

While the seat itself may not come to Australia – which has very stringent regulations for child seats –the technology is likely to be fitted to Tomy seats in our market.

Tomy Australia sales general manager Mark Robertson says it is on the local radar. “It’s a fantastic product and is certainly something we’ll have a look at,” Robertson says. “Australia has a different and very particular standard for child seats (to the US).

“The First Years IAlert seat may not come to Australia, but that technology can be adapted and applied to the other seats we have for sale here. It’s possible that we could see it from around mid next year,” he says.