They expire. Yup, that's was the promo for a story on the 11:00 news last night that I just saw while watching Parenthood. They had a lady with an infant carrier. She says "they don't tell you, it's not on the box and not in the manual" and then the newscaster says "shocking new information about carseats...they expire."
What planet are these people living on? Is it not common knowledge? Maybe it's not in huge letters on the outside of the box, but it's in the manual.
Re: shocking new information about carseats...
There is generally a big tag on the back of the carseat with the exp date...!
Also it is like 10 years.. most people don't have kids 10 years apart, and even if they did, I would think people would want a more up to date one (like most have side impact protection now, which was less popular just a few years ago).
And actually I think I do remember seeing it stamped on the back of the manual.
People are clueless.. although I do remember mentioning it and someone being shocked. But then once I said why, they were like yea that totally makes sense.
I think news channels 'look' too hard for news. It is a good tip, but not like earth shattering news.
Nest Bio ~ ~ Baby Food Blog
I don't think it is common knowledge..But it should be. Its kind of silly that they called it shocking info. I think I a lot of people just don't care enough to educate themselves on that sort of thing.
But Arctic.. Its 6 years, not 10.. Its possible we won't have a 3rd til Eve is close to 6.. And if we get crazy and have a 4th.. its definitely possible!
I had a used carseat base from my friend for the one in DH's car.. It was from my friends twins who are just about exactly 3 years older than Eve (They'll be 6 in Feb). Since the seat was manufactured in the year before they were born, the base would expire in December. I sold it cheap at a yard sale and bought a new one.
m/c 1/2/08 and 3/12/08
Eve Amelia- Born 2/24/09. 6lb 9.9oz
Natalie Ruth - Born 6/13/11 7lb 6.6oz
There is 5 years between my boys. The forward-facing carseat/belt positioning booster Mike just stopped using expires December of this year. Alex doesn't turn 2 until February, so it will expire before he can use it.
(Woot - I'm glad I just checked that. I have 2 of them taking up space and I now know I can get rid of them.)