Car seat more than 6 years old?

[Lady_Bee]

A family friend has given me a Graco car seat that she no longer needs. She says it's never been in a crash and I'm sure she's being truthful, but it is 6 years old. Is it ok to use this or should I buy a new one?

What's also annoying is I don't know the model number (I tried googling some of the numbers on the side with no success) and she hasn't given me the manual, I guess she lost it! I found instructions for some similar car seats online though and it looks like it works the same.

Just not sure if it's ok to use a car seat that's more than a few years old... what would you do?

 

[tiggerz]

Has it got a kite mark!?? I would be cautious xx

 

[Weebear]

I would prob rather be cautious too. There are some good deals around, see how much it would cost for a new one? Theres one just now, from 9mths to 11 years, not read up on it or anything but heres a link
https://www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wc...3_1316946579_15cdd81e5919d2bdab0342c44620df52
Obviously this wouldnt suit if you're looking for from birth, but just to see what deals are out there

 

[Lady_Bee]

I don't know where to find the Kitemark, but I'm sure the seat is legitimate and tested as it is from Mothercare and made by Graco. I just can't find the serial numbers when I search online, maybe because it is no longer sold in shops (it was made in 2005).

The only thing I'm concerned about is the age - I've read that you shouldn't use carseats after 6 years but does anybody know why? Surely it doesn't suddenly deteriorate after a certain amount of time...?

I can buy a new one, but money is tight so I'm trying to make as much use of 2nd hand stuff as I can, since people are kind enough to give me stuff. If it's not safe though, I'll get a new one

 

[tiggerz]

They test seats after so many yrs - I think I would pass on this, we skipped a car seat as it was too old when we eventually had our second! You could always tell your friend down the line you got a great deal on a travel system (if it's a baby seat) or that your parents bought you a new one as they didn't realise you had one - that way you wouldn't offend her xxx

 

[motp]

Hi there, I'm a Child Passenger Safety Technician there is definitely good reason not to use a 2nd hand car seat. Graco is a reputable brand, but if you don't have the owner's manual, you are not going to know exactly how to install it. Even if you find a manual from a similar model - there are very often subtle changes from year to year. Also, the manufacturer states a 6 year expiration date because that's how far out they test the seat for in terms of deterioration from sun exposure and durability and stuff like that. ALSO, without the model number, you have no way to check for safety recalls on the seat.

I would definitely recommend against using a 2nd hand car seat that is missing an owners manual, and is past it's expiration date.

 

[Lady_Bee]

Thank you for your advice :]

I'll get a new seat... and I just won't tell my friend that I didn't use hers! Is there a way to recycle old ones does anyone know? Or do I just have to bin it/take it to the land fill?

 

[mrsthomas623]

Carseats 'expire' after 5 years, with Nolan we were told it is because the plastic becomes less stable after 5 years of always sitting in the car, exposed to sun light, hot and cold weather. Definitely purchase a new carseat!

 

[tiggerz]

Thank you for your advice :]

I'll get a new seat... and I just won't tell my friend that I didn't use hers! Is there a way to recycle old ones does anyone know? Or do I just have to bin it/take it to the land fill?

I don't think anywhere takes old seats hunny because of the safety issues, I am pleased you're getting a new one - I know another expense but god forbid you have an accident but if the seat failed you'd never forgive yourself (((hugs)))