Car seat expiration dates?

Heidijo24 · September 2010

I was given a used car seat and it makes me nervous. I found a date on the bottom of the seat, but it was a mfg. date. Someone once told me car seats have "expirations". How long are they considered safe/should I be worried?

JillBean78 · September 2010

Typical is 5 years, sometimes 6 years. Sometimes they can be good up to 9 years, but that is usually for the forward facing/combo booster style seats. If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat.

To be honest I wouldn't use a used car seat, unless you are 100% positive it hasn't been in an accident, that there are no recalls, etc.... You can get very nice, inexpensive car seats. I've seen Graco Snugrides as low as $60-$70 at Wal Mart. You can get a nice convertible, like the Costco Scenara for $30-$40. Might not have all the bells and whistles of an pricier seat and the color might not be exactly what you want but at least you have peace of mind knowing the seat is NEW and not been mis-used in any sort of way which would make it unsafe. All seats have to pass the same safety tests whether you buy a $30 one or a $300 one, the difference between them is that sometimes the pricier seats can be a little easier to install, but if you take your seat to a certified car seat tech and let them do it and show you how to do it properly, your good.

I look at it this way, is your childs life worth a free seat?

Also, if you do decide not to use the used car seat, please cut the straps before you throw it away.

Our local hospitals and police departments sell car seats for a very good price, it is worth checking out in your area if price is an issue. I think our hospital and police department both sell infant seats for $30.

lindseyenderson · September 2010

Depending on the brand it is usually 6 years from the manufacturing date. Look up the brand and email them. I wouldn't use the seat unless you know who it came from (and you trust them) and they can verify it wasn't in an accident. It's just not worth it! There are plenty of affordable safe seats available.

Calla123 · September 2010

For us, the car seat was the one area we were willing to splurge because it is so important.

Ours said 5 years from date and no accidents.?

?

darlene'smommy · September 2010

It depends on the brand they range 5-9 years. Just make sure who ever gave it to you can tell you, it was never in a crash, the harness was never washed (besides spot cleaned) it was taking care of things like that.

j&j1999 · September 2010

I am totally not disagreeing that a used seat is iffy and that expiration dates should be followed BUT can someone explain to me what happens to a seat 5-9 yrs after it was made that means it has expired? I have just always wondered this.

Thanks

madybug · September 2010

j&j1999:

I am totally not disagreeing that a used seat is iffy and that expiration dates should be followed BUT can someone explain to me what happens to a seat 5-9 yrs after it was made that means it has expired? I have just always wondered this.

Thanks

An older seat probably isnt as safe as something with newer technology. Also the most important is that over time plastic that is exposed to heat and cold in your car makes the plastic become brittle and/ or crack. If you were to get into a crash it would break and not protect your child. There is a crash test video somewhere of a expired seat that the harness breaks through the shell.

JillBean78 · September 2010

Here is a link to that video, this is a crash test done with a 10 year old seat

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

katcarls · September 2010

j&j1999:
I am totally not disagreeing that a used seat is iffy and that expiration dates should be followed BUT can someone explain to me what happens to a seat 5-9 yrs after it was made that means it has expired? I have just always wondered this.
Thanks

I think the plastic can start to break down and it's not as safe.

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