Hand-me-down Car Seat or New?

boatingfanatic8

I know this is a little early to be thinking about this but let me explain...

My SIL was nice enough to offer us her old (like 2 1/2 years) car seat and stroller from her two sons. She says that by the time they have their next child, it will have expired (they expire every 3-5 years). It is in pretty good shape and I appreciate her offer but I personally want to buy new.

 This is my first, and DH and I have been saving money up for a long time to buy fun things for the baby.  If they 'expire' within 3-5 years, then wouldn't it be best to buy the newest and safest car seat on the market?

Problem is, DH doesn't think that it is necessary to buy a new one when we could use my SIL's.  I truly am grateful for their generosity and I really don't want to hurt their feelings by declining their offer but I am just excited to buy new stuff, ya know?

 What do you guys think?

SpartanGirl

If you know for sure your SIL wasn't in an accident with them and that they are in good shape, honestly I would take them.  If they expire in 3 years, it may not be worth it, but if it's 5 years then it's a pretty good deal.

franciscaz

If there has been no accident and the seat is in great shape I say get over it.  Trust me, you will have plenty of "new stuff" to buy and this might allow you to splurge more on the others.

BTW: They expire in 5 yrs if you are in a hot climate and 6 yrs if you live in a normal climate.

peas out

I wouldn't mind a second hand stroller, but the safety standards for car seats are updated constantly, and I wouldn't be able to trust that one that old is up to par. Might just be me, but I would pass on the car seat.

MadameFancyPants

Personally I would buy a brand spanking new carseat.  Safety should be your first concern for you baby and regulations seem to change almost yearly. 

While the carseat you have been offered isn't past expiration, some of the features could be compromised.  For example, I've been told that washing the straps can weaken them.  How can you tell for sure that your SIL hasn't washed them?  

The stroller is a different story.  You are always in control of it so it shouldn't be an issue.  Unless its one of those that the carseat attaches to for it to work properly.  

 

Kaymee

Personally, I would want new.  This is my first baby and plan on registering anyways. 

Jake Ian's Mommy

I say new all the way.

kathnjake

maybe you could keep both, new one for the car you use most & older model for the other car, just a thought!

WildHorseFeathers

You need to check to be sure it meets todays standards. I purchased an all-in-one stroller/car-seat/carrier and it was a 2006 model from a garage-sale (great condition and even has a "bug" net, which is even better for Florida. Checked it out, and it's good.

Genevieved

I'm sure she would understand who doesn't love buying baby stuff.  Also hand me down car seats are fine but not if it has been in an accident just even a small one.  So keep that in mind

headsup7up

I felt the same way when I had my first baby - wanted everything new! I turned down plenty of great hand me downs and now kick myself over it. I could have saved tons of money. So yes I would take her carseat and stroller with the conditions that it had never been in an accident and it was still in good clean condition. I would also check to make sure there were no recalls on it and if there wasn't you are good to go!

 

DEW1027

there should be a date on the car seat, like ours expires 2013 that we just bought--- they have expiration dates because of safety standards always changing- so I would look at that to see if it is going to help you or not

DiscusCoach

Take it and use it as an extra for the other car or for the baby sitter. Less moving seats from car to car.

Please take it to your local CHP to get them to check that it is installed properly in your type of vehicle.