Car Seat Safety

[Willow82]

So my BIL is giving us their car seat for when the new baby arrives but it's roughly 6 and a half years old. Does anyone know if it's safe to use a car seat that old? It's never been in any collisions or anything.

We never used a car seat last time as we didn't have a car. I'm kind of hoping that they've lost the newborn insert so I have an excuse to buy another!

 

[SpringCrane]

Every car seat has an expiration date that's specific to the seat. You can look online to see if it's not printed on the seat. The seat will say the manufactured date. I'd also get the serial number to make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls. We used a hand me down seat and since it checked out, I felt comfortable. But it's wise to check it out completely!

 

[Willow82]

Every car seat has an expiration date that's specific to the seat. You can look online to see if it's not printed on the seat. The seat will say the manufactured date. I'd also get the serial number to make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls. We used a hand me down seat and since it checked out, I felt comfortable. But it's wise to check it out completely!

Brilliant! Thank you, I will definitely do this.

 

[justplay91]

You aren't supposed to use a carseat if it is more than 5 years old, even if it's in great condition, just because chances are the technology is better and the newer the carseat the safer it is.

 

[staralfur]

I don't know where you're located but here car seats come with expiration dates. We just chucked ours because it was manufactured in 2011 and had a 5 year expiration. So at 6.5 years from purchase + however long between manufacture and purchase, that seat would be way past good if it has a 5 year expiration. Though again I have no idea what the rules are where you're at and here it depends on the brand/make! Certainly worth looking into as it's not only a safety hazard but illegal to use a seat past its expiration.

 

[minties]

Totally depends on what country you live in and the brand of seat. My kids ones have a 10 year life span, some others have a 6 year one.

 

[londonangel]

Oh dear I didn't know they had expiration dates! Ours is nearly five as it belonged to first baby. Hope it is okay!

 

[Scout]

Mine has a 12 year expiration date, so they all vary. I wouldn't hesitate to use one that hasn't expired, been in an accident, or recalled. That is, as long as it was what I wanted. I was quite picky with my car seat.

 

[jessmke]

If it has expired but you decide to use it anyways because it's in good shape just keep in mind that if you get into an accident and your baby gets injured you may not be covered by your insurance if you are using an expired seat.

 

[Willow82]

Thanks everybody. We've asked BIL to check the expiry date and definitely won't use it if it's expired. We will also check whether it's been recalled. Family members have called us 'crazy' and 'looking for problems' but I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[SpringCrane]

You should not be called crazy for wanting to make sure your child is safe. Car seat safety is so important and so many people misuse car seats it sends me into a panic! You are definitely doing the right thing.

 

[Scout]

Thanks everybody. We've asked BIL to check the expiry date and definitely won't use it if it's expired. We will also check whether it's been recalled. Family members have called us 'crazy' and 'looking for problems' but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Seriously? Car seat safety is so important. I know you're in the UK, so don't know statistics there, but in the US, motor vehicle accidents are the number 2 killer of children birth thru age 4 and then the number one killer age 5-18. It's crazy to not be on top of things when it comes to car seats. Looks like you're doing it right!

 

[MrsKChicago]

How unusual of you to want to keep your baby alive! I mean, come on. If you get into an accident and your baby's seat doesn't protect her, no big deal. You can just get another one, right? Surely your baby's safety isn't worth reading a date and possibly even spending a hundred bucks! Next thing you're going to want to install it right and tighten the straps!