car seat question

joslina

wondering if anyone has been told to check the expiration date on your car seat?    at my OB you have a nurse appointment and she goes through all general information.    she said there is an expiration date stamped on the bottom of the car seat and you shouldn't use it if it is expired?    what do you all think?

jessicaclare

Yes, carseats expire. Most are 6 years, I've heard of a few that are 5, and some of the ones that are 5 point harness to boosters are 8 years. My infant seat from DD1 expires July of 2012, so we're just squeaking by without having to buy another new one.

Themetastic

For real?  My Nana's neighbor just gave me a very gently used convertible car seat from like 10 years ago. I thought it was great so that now my parents can have one too.  So now they can't use it?

MorgansMommy1

Themetastic:

For real?  My Nana's neighbor just gave me a very gently used convertible car seat from like 10 years ago. I thought it was great so that now my parents can have one too.  So now they can't use it?

 That decision is up to you. My parents also have a gently used car seat that DD uses when she is with them. I have no problem with it being expired by 3 years because I KNOW that

1) It was never in an accident (it was from a cousin)

2) It wasn't just a cheap car seat. It's a Graco so I trust the brand.

But in the end, it is what YOU are comfortable with.

jessicaclare

Themetastic:

For real?  My Nana's neighbor just gave me a very gently used convertible car seat from like 10 years ago. I thought it was great so that now my parents can have one too.  So now they can't use it?

I wouldn't. The reason they expire is because the materials weaken over time and exposure. I know that MrsGo4Hockey (I think that is her name) is a certified tech, so perhaps she has an expert opinion on this. IMO, I won't take a risk with the item that is keeping my child safe in a car. Its the only thing I can really control about a potentially dangerous situation.

 

ohfour

The plastic and foam used to make the car seat breaks down over time, as a pp said. The reason for expiration dates is that the car seat manufacturer can't guarantee the safety of the materials past that point. It doesn't mean the car seat is going to crack in half upon impact, just that it COULD, and the manufacturer giving you that expiration date is their way of warning you. Not something I'm willing to risk with a newborn, but that's just me.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC5ifQ6ho1U

MrsGo4Hockeychick

MorgansMommy1:

Themetastic:

For real?  My Nana's neighbor just gave me a very gently used convertible car seat from like 10 years ago. I thought it was great so that now my parents can have one too.  So now they can't use it?

 That decision is up to you. My parents also have a gently used car seat that DD uses when she is with them. I have no problem with it being expired by 3 years because I KNOW that

1) It was never in an accident (it was from a cousin)

2) It wasn't just a cheap car seat. It's a Graco so I trust the brand.

But in the end, it is what YOU are comfortable with.

You REALLY REALLY REALLY need to rethink letting them use that seat with your daughter.

This is what happens in an accident with an expired seat:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvCRz7BRAM0

 

 

OP, yes, if it's expired you need to cut the harness straps, and if possible, take a hammer to shell. You can call your local recycling center (they may take it) otherwise, put it in your trash.  

MrsGo4Hockeychick

Oh, and as an FYI, if you ever took an expired seat to a CPST or a car seat clinic, you would not be allowed to leave with a child in an expired seat.