WDYT about an infant carseat that fell down some stairs?

lunabeam · August 2011

Awhile back, when we transitioned DS from his infant carseat to the convertible, his infant seat was sitting at the top of the stairs waiting to be taken to the basement.

Well, it ended up falling down the stairs (no, he wasn't in it!), and bounced along before hitting the ground at the bottom of the stairs.

I checked it for cracks and it looks okay. I want to use it for baby #2, but part of me is questioning how big the impact of an accident has to be to render it unsafe.

WDYT? Would you use it for baby #2?

jsugrin · August 2011

While I have no idea how you know what type of impact really renders it unsafe I would use it for my kid. I know that some insurance companies will not replace an carseat if that kid was not in the car at the time of the accident and it's a moderate to minor accident The fact that they are able to do it that way makes me think that a fall down the stairs certainly shouldn't harm it.

bunch · August 2011

And I woudn't reuse it. I'm terrifically anal about our carseats and I feel like thats a big enough bump to make it not worth the risk for me.

mommy2jay · August 2011

I would check all the points of the harness, make sure nothing is loose, and that it still fastens and all that good stuff, and if it doesnt have any cracks/visible damage- I would probably use it.

Mama_v2.0 · August 2011

I wouldn't use it. There can be hairline fractures that you aren't going to be able to see. I would cut the straps and get rid of it.

MrsCali_Bride · August 2011

That is a tough one for me. If you decide not to use it, TRU & BRU are starting up their trade-in event on the 26th & you would get a coupon for 25% off another item (car seats fall into those categories).

jsugrin · August 2011

I have another idea, maybe call the manufacturer and the install tech at the Highway Patrol and ask what they both think?

amyfelice · August 2011

If it looks ok I would probably still use it. The impact of an accident seems much higher to me.

MsPurple24 · August 2011

I watched the baggage handlers toss my carseat down a baggage chute when I checked it (yes, at the gate). It went tumbling down the chute, end-over-end. I hollered at the handler that the whole reason I checked it at the gate was so it WOULDN'T get thrown around, and he shrugged at me.

So... I guess I'm saying I would use it, since I'm still using mine. These carseats are made to handle a major auto impact- a tumble down the stairs is nothing compared to that.

Lesley423 · August 2011

Were the stairs carpeted?

I probably would use it either way actually.

lunabeam · August 2011

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Such mixed opinions...that's what I was afraid of!

No, the stairs weren't carpeted.

I don't think the CHP in this area does inspections anymore. And even then, I think those were just installation inspections, not all-over seat inspections. But I can make a few phone calls.

::sigh::

danandkelly · August 2011

I would use it. I think it's fine.

i hate green peas · August 2011

I'd use it again...

Were the straps locked in?

when I was in a fender bender (without the kids in the car), the insurance adjuster asked if the harness was latched. If it was, they'd replace the car seat because it's more about the integrity of the harness rather than the jostling of the car seat frame.

lunabeam · August 2011

i hate green peas:
I'd use it again...

Were the straps locked in?

when I was in a fender bender (without the kids in the car), the insurance adjuster asked if the harness was latched. If it was, they'd replace the car seat because it's more about the integrity of the harness rather than the jostling of the car seat frame.

Interesting. No, the harness was not latched.

I'm leaning toward using it too, but part of me just hates that nagging "what if". I'm still undecided, but I have a few more months to agonize over it... heh.

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WDYT about an infant carseat that fell down some stairs?

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