Bad luck?

nhart811

I found a Graco travel system online for $75 (car seat expires 2017). I'm not turning a positive test at the moment, but I'm still thinking about picking it up for my mom who will be our child care provider. Is it Bad luck to pick it up before being confirmed pregnant?

ETA: autocorrected spelling errors (stupid iPhone)

Kristinmo

Is it used?

nhart811

Yeah, it's used. But it looked to be in great-excellent condition.

Kristinmo

nhart811 said:

Yeah, it's used. But it looked to be in great-excellent condition.

There is no way to know if a carseat has been in an accident by looking at it.  Once it's been in an accident, it must be replaced because the integrity has been compromised.  Never buy a used carseat.

gogadgetgo

CA law requires car seats to be replaced if occupied during an accident - any accident including minor fender benders.

I'd pass and buy new.

FemShep

It's not bad luck, but it's not smart.  Car seats should never be purchased used, for all of the reasons PP mentioned.  You also don't know when you might be pregnant, what your needs might be, and what your circumstances might be.  You're much better off putting that $75 in a savings account, and adding to it as you can, for baby expenses.

DiveFrog

I honestly don't understand why it is even legal to sell used car seats. It makes me so angry when I see them all over my local Craigslist.

PunkyBooster

I am also wary of used carseats. I'm ok with used strollers though I'd personally wait to get something not a travel system and until I'm closer to being due.

We did buy a "used" carseat for the nanny's car but we knew the guy who bought it well. He had a receipt, it was still in it's box but he and his wife got into a nasty custody battle and long story short, he sold it to us because it was going to be a long road for him.

In that case, I felt comfortable. But from a stranger, I get a little nervous.

Same goes with cribs. Buy new or from a friend you 100% trust.