Sad about car seat :( And a question about bases.

ESD_0707 · August 2009

My SIL gave us her old Graco carseat to use, and I was so excited to get a free one. However, I checked the expiration date and it expires in December 2009. Right when Baby Girl is due.

What bad luck!

Does anyone know if the bases also expire? The manufactuer's date is close to the car seat's date, but I don't see any expiration date on the base itself.

madhatter2003 · August 2009

Yes, both expire. If the base came with the carseat it's the same date.

Tatiana Fowler · August 2009

Its all 1 exp date. I would buy a new one.

buttercup30 · August 2009

Where was the expiration date? I never realized there was one.

ESD_0707 · August 2009

The manufacturer's date is on a sticker on the seat and the expiration date is written in raised plastic. It says, "Do not use this seat after... (Date)". It was below the place where the baby's feet would go.

CKLee1107 · August 2009

I didn't know car seats expired...umm, anyone know about how long their "shelf life" is??

klande3 · August 2009

What about a base that is sold seperately... If the one that comes with the car seat doesn't have an expiration date on it, I don't think any other one would.

getnmarried910 · August 2009

Yes they both expire together.

The expiration date on our Graco Snugride is on the back of the seat.

ValentineNJ · August 2009

I'm so greatful for these boards...I had no idea that a car seat would expire.

Mrs.tlcS · August 2009

CKLee1107:
I didn't know car seats expired...umm, anyone know about how long their "shelf life" is??

6 years seems to be the "shelf life" for most that I've seen.

ESD_0707 · August 2009

To answer PP, apparently the life of a car seat is 6 years. At least for Graco.

Tatiana Fowler · August 2009

CKLee1107:
I didn't know car seats expired...umm, anyone know about how long their "shelf life" is??

According to Graco the shelf life for there car seats is 6 years, if it has been properly stored.

NiniJ55 · August 2009

I did not even know that car seats expire - good to know.

madhatter2003 · August 2009

My base has a date on a sticker that's on the underneath side.

jrlandrigan · August 2009

What a bummer. I didn't think about the base expiring along with the car seat.. I have a cousin who said I might be able to have her extra base since they are in the process of adopting a little boy and aren't sure if he will fit into the car seat or not. Looks like I am better off leaving the extra base on my registry regardless.

Sheeks88 · August 2009

My car seat is Evenflo and it is written on the back of the seat. Like most people have said, it is good for 6 years.

cannapeppers · August 2009

If you do not have a expiration date on your base and purchased it separate from the car seat...I would contact the manufacturer...they all expire!!

My DH is a firefighter...it is essential to have a proper car seat and that the installation is correct...all moms...consider taking a car seat class!! I know most are thinking..duh!! I can't tell you how many car seats are installed wrong and how many infants get injured...fyi...the car seat sunshade and handle are supposed to be "down" at all times when the vehicle is in use!! Something I did not know until I took a class....!!!

lifesajourney · August 2009

I had no idea that carseats expire either. Is there a major issue with using 6 year old carseats? My gram-in-law has 2 carseats from when H's cousins were born (there going to be 6 next week!) and she and my MIL plan to use them with our LO. I can imagine them actually having the need very often (esp since I"m going to be a SAHM) but should I be concerned about this??

ESD_0707 · August 2009

There's research both ways. Some say that the car seat's plastic will start to break down (not always visible to the naked eye) from being in extreme heat and cold for years. In an accident, the plastic may not hold up if there is breaking down or fractures already in the seat. You can search for info. I found this video on YouTube.

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

Others have researched this and found that deterioration could not be detected until a minimum of 10 years. There was an article in the NY Times a few years ago. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/11/business/11shortcuts.ready.html?ex=1276142400&en=db02720bc0a85724&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Check it out if you want.

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Sad about car seat :( And a question about bases.

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