Help me...infant carrier decision to replace or not to replace

MrMrsandBaby · August 2014

Well, let me start by saying I'm ashamed I didn't think of this two years ago.

When DD was @ 6 months old, I was in a low speed car accident with her bucket seat in the car (without her in it, thank God!). Because it was empty, it never even occurred to me to replace the seat and she used it until she was just over 1. Now that I'm older and wiser, I know I should have gotten a new one (the accident was my fault but my insurance should/would have paid for a new one). I didn't know that back then, it never even crossed my mind.

Now that #2 is coming, I feel like we should replace it. The seat is only 3 years old, still well within the usability dates...I just don't want to put the money out for a new one if I don't have to (I think it would also require new bases since it is a pretty obscure brand of seat).

I know the right answer is buy a new one, but would it be just horrible to use the one we have? If it matters, I rear ended a car but no one hit me so only the front of the car had damage, the seat was in the base in the backseat of the car.

Roseypants · August 2014

I was in a minor accident with DD's car seat, and will still be using it. If there wasn't a huge impact you are fine to keep using it.

ariel06 · August 2014

Can you have someone inspect it? It's probably fine, but I'd rather be over causious.

Liss1481 · August 2014

It probably is fine but when DH was in a low-speed accident (DS was in his seat at the time), our insurance company told us to absolutely replace it (the cost was actually covered by the insurance company).

PBJellyTime · August 2014

They covered this in our birthing class last week, and to me it sounds like it would be okay, they recommended calling the manufacturer and asking. According to them, many times they will offer to replace things that they may be concerned about.

colacrock · August 2014

It doesn't sound like it would be a big deal to keep it, since your accident was low speed/impact. I think it's just fear of the unknown that would make me want to replace it.

Do you have to have an infant carrier? I know it's easier to keep baby sleeping in the car seat, transferring from car to home, etc. but we are buying the Evenflo SureRide for our baby. It is a convertible and will last from birth to age 6 and it's only $99 and has fantastic reviews! Since I already have two kids, I don't have enough arms to hold everyone that needs held, I will be wearing baby from the car and forego the infant seat altogether, especially since infant seats only last at most about a year. Just giving you another option if you don't want to spend a lot of money, but want a seat that lasts a looonng time and is recommended by certified child passenger safety technicians. I can give you a link to the reviews if you want. Good luck with your decision!

TinyTRex321 · August 2014

Call or look up the manufactures guidelines. Each brand has different standards. It's not something someone can inspect bc it could be internal damage to the plastic.

MrMrsandBaby · August 2014

Bleh, I think the book says in any accident to replace it.

(

TinyTRex321 · August 2014

MrMrsandBaby said:
Bleh, I think the book says in any accident to replace it.
(

Then I would replace it.

TinyTRex321 · August 2014

FamousEa said:

MrMrsandBaby said:
Bleh, I think the book says in any accident to replace it.
(
They have to say that to cover their asses. It is up to you but honestly I think it's fine.

No they don't. A lot of companies say replace only if airbags are deployed or give other criteria. I find it interesting how many non experts are telling you it's fine. When it comes to car seat safety I follow the rules. Knowing my child is as safe as I can provide is most important to me.

ss265 · August 2014

Every car seat manufacturer (except Britax) says to replace the seat in any accident. Honestly, I think it's the car seat company's way of covering their ass as well as getting more revenue since people are forced to buy new seats. DH and I have been in three fender benders in the last few months and we have been arguing on whether to replace the seats. Our first fender bender involved the infant seat from DS1 and while I would prefer to get a new seat, DH thinks we should just use the old one.

It really is a tough decision - the seat looks fine and I had very minor damage to my vehicle. I tried explaining to him that there could be damage that we can't see but he's convinced that the seat is ok.

MsMacual · August 2014

I can see both sides of this, but because it is weighing on your mind, I'd replace it for the piece of mind. Depending on the size of your new LO, you could be using the seat for a year and something like this would constantly be in the back of my mind, even if there never is a reason to be truly worried. I remember BRU having a trade in sale around this time of year in the past. Perhaps they will have it again soon and you can trade your old one for % off of a new one?

AmandaJean12 · August 2014

I would, but less because I think the seat's actually damaged and more because it would stress me out worrying about some hidden damage that probably doesn't exist. For me, the peace of knowing it was new and safe would be worth it.

bennikki · August 2014

ariel06 said:

Can you have someone inspect it? It's probably fine, but I'd rather be over causious.

**Stuck in the box**

In our area, the police department or fire department will inspect car seats for free. They often hold clinics, or you can make an appointment.

MrMrsandBaby · August 2014

bennikki said:

ariel06 said:

Can you have someone inspect it? It's probably fine, but I'd rather be over causious.

**Stuck in the box**

In our area, the police department or fire department will inspect car seats for free. They often hold clinics, or you can make an appointment.

Same here but they inspect them for correct installation, not if they are "good"

Ugh, I think the seat is fine, but my airbags went off and NHTSA says if they go off to replace it. Stupid second generation ultra-sensitve airbags. DH thinks it is fine, I am worried. I think I will see when the next trade in event is and trade it in. Damn moral/ethical issues (which would this be?).

ss265 · August 2014

MrMrsandBaby said:

bennikki said:

ariel06 said:

Can you have someone inspect it? It's probably fine, but I'd rather be over causious.

**Stuck in the box**

In our area, the police department or fire department will inspect car seats for free. They often hold clinics, or you can make an appointment.
Same here but they inspect them for correct installation, not if they are "good"

Ugh, I think the seat is fine, but my airbags went off and NHTSA says if they go off to replace it. Stupid second generation ultra-sensitve airbags. DH thinks it is fine, I am worried. I think I will see when the next trade in event is and trade it in. Damn moral/ethical issues (which would this be?).

This! My airbags didn't go off but if they had, replacing the seat would be a no brainer (and would give me more ammunition to argue with DH)

If you bring the seat to BRU's trade in event, you get a 25% off coupon towards a brand new seat. Alternatively, Albee Baby frequently has 20% off coupons and with free shipping and no sales tax in most states, that's usually the cheapest source for bigger ticket items.

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