How Long Does A Safety First Car Seat Last? FAQs Answered For You!

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
40 min read

Can you tell me how long the safety first car seat is going to last? Maintaining and using a car seat properly can extend its lifespan by many years. As soon as damage or wear is noticed, customers should replace their previous model, which typically lasts between five and six years.

In most cases, the expiration date of a seat may be found anywhere on the label, so you can see how long it has been since the seat was manufactured.

Because a crash could result in significant injury, don’t use one beyond this stage. Rather than just tossing away an expired car seat, consider donating it or selling it to someone who really needs it!

It’s a common occurrence for parents to discover too late that their child’s car seat is nearing the end of its useful life and must be replaced. Typically, the expiration date is printed somewhere on the seat, and it will tell you exactly when your car seat is out of date. Using an expired one could result in significant injury in the event of a collision!

Contents

How long are safety first grow and go car seats good for?

Car seats made by Safety First are good for children up to the age of five. When purchasing a used seat, it’s critical to know this information.

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In the event of an accident, your child could be injured or killed if the device is being used incorrectly. For safety reasons, it’s best to remove any straps that have been broken or frayed so that they don’t get caught in something when driving or moving around with a child in the car seat.

It is best to discard this type of safety first grow and go car seat if there is no option to get new straps online; keep an eye on Amazon for cheap replacement parts from official vendors, but these can sell out at any time.

Check out YouTube videos on how to attach a rear-facing baby carrier to your safety first grow and go car seat before using it; most people already know how to do this; if not, check out the instructions in the car seat’s instruction manual.

Be sure to “crunch” (tighten) all of the belts to prevent them from being pulled away from the central metal bar underneath.

In order to ensure full support in the event of an accident, pull up on each strap individually until there is no sag. This should be done with two hands to avoid an unsteady balance.

Expiration Dates By Car Seat Company

Please verify with the car seat manufacturer for the most up-to-date information on this subject.

Depending on the manufacturer and the material used, most car seats survive between six and ten years. Several are shorter, such as Bubblebum (4 years), and some are longer, such as several Peg Perego’s. Metal-reinforced car seats last longer than those that aren’t. There are varying expiration dates for different types of car seats. The average lifespan of an infant car seat with a base is six years. It is possible to extend the life of convertible seats by up to ten years. A booster seat’s lifespan is roughly equal to that of a child’s.

See how long each manufacturer’s car seat can keep your child safe. You should keep in mind that plastic only has a 10-year shelf life, and there are no seats on the market that can survive for more than ten years presently.

Baby Trend Car Seat Expiration Dates

If you have a Baby Trend car seat, you’ll find the date of manufacture and the serial number on the bottom of the base. A “Don’t Use After…” date will be molded into each seat, which the manufacturer refers to as a “hot stamp.” For the most up-to-date information on product expiration dates, I had to phone Baby Trend instead than using their website.

“Discontinue usage of the Safety Seat and Base after six (6) years from the date of manufacture,” says the handbook for the EZ Flex Loc Infant Car Seat. “The date of manufacturing can be found on the underside of the Safety Seat or Base label. ”

Expiration date of six years for infant car seats

7 years is the expiration date for convertible car seats.

Britax Car Seat Expiration Dates

Almost a decade ago, Britax began separating their car seats into two distinct categories. Prior to and up to June 2010, some of the dates are stated, and then after June 2010, which is pertinent at this time. Hopefully, no one is still using a car seat from before that.

After six years, infant car seats must be replaced.

Up to June 2010, convertible car seats had a six-year expiration date. Car seats will only be good for seven years starting in June of 2010.

ClickTight – Expires after 10 years.

Up to June 2010, belt-positioning booster seats had an average life expectancy of six years. The vehicle seats have a six-year lifespan after June 2010.

Chicco Car Seat Expiration Dates

After some searching on Chicco’s website, I found a couple expiration dates, but not enough information. All of my questions were answered in a single phone call. When the “Do Not Use After” date is reached, Chicco wants customers to be aware that their car seats should be thrown away.

Six years from the date of manufacture, infant car seats are no longer safe to use.

Clek Car Seat Expiration Dates

There is a nine-year warranty on all of Clek’s automobile seats. There is a sticker that may be found on the back of the car seats.

Combi Car Seat Expiration Dates

There is a seven-year shelf life on all Combi car seats. The instructions manuals and the white label on the bottom of the car seat contain this information.

Cosco Car Seat Expiration Dates

When it comes to Cosco car seats, you can find the expiration date on the seat itself as well as in the owner’s handbook.

Before December 14, 2013, infant seats have a six-year expiration date. Expire after ten years on December 14, 2013

APT and Scenera Next DLX convertible seats purchased before December 14th, 2013, will be valid for another six years. Expire after ten years on December 14, 2013 There are six years left on this six-year-old Scenera Next – Before December 14, 2013. Expire after eight years on December 14, 2013, the last day of the current calendar year. Pre-December 14th, 2013, expire after 8 years. The Easy Elite. Expire after ten years on December 14, 2013

Diono Car Seat Expiration Dates

The expiration dates of Diono’s car seats are clearly marked. The car seats have all of their dates written on the bottoms and backs of them.

Ten years after the date of purchase, Diono Radian models are no longer valid. Using the seat as a booster, it can be used for a further eight years with the harness.

The Diono Rainier, Pacifica, and Olympia models have a 10-year warranty. It can be used as a seat for up to eight years and then as a booster for a total of ten years with the harness.

This booster seat can be used for eight years.

Evenflo Car Seat Expiration Dates

The majority of Evenflo’s car seats have a six-year expiration date, with a few exceptions. This critical information may be found on the seat labels on every single one of their automobile seats.

Due to its extended use from infant through belt-positioning booster, the Symphony has an 8-year shelf life from the date of manufacturing.

Graco Car Seat Expiration Date

It is common for Graco car seats to include either a useful life or an expiration date.

The expiration date can be calculated by multiplying the manufacture date by the useful life. You can find some useful information on the Graco site. provides the most detailed information on the date of expiration.

Maxi-Cosi Car Seat Expiration Dates

To ensure that their products last as long as possible, Maxi-Cosi places expiration dates on their car seats. No specific date is given for each car seat, however they do say that they are safe to use for 6 to 8 years from the date of production.

Peg Perego Car Seat Expiration Dates

These stickers, found under each Peg Perego car seat, display specific dates associated with that model year.

Expired: Infant Seats – 7 years from the date of manufacture

A convertible seat lasted 7 years before 2015. Car seats will no longer be valid after November 2015 if they have not been used for ten years.

Urbini Car Seat Expiration Dates

The lifespan of Urbini’s car seats ranges from six to eight years from the date of production. See if you can find the date on the car seat’s base or the bottom.

Uppababy Car Seat Expiration Dates

There is a seven-year shelf life on all Uppababy car seats. There are labels on the carrier and base that have this information.

Safety 1st Car Seat Expiration Dates

The expiration date of Safety 1st car seats can be found on the seat and in the instruction manual.

Why Car Seats Expire

To understand why car seats expire, you first need to know that they do. Take a look at these five reasons why automobile seats need to be replaced or repaired. You’ll be surprised at some of the reasons.

New Standards and Innovation

There are always new and better ways to make car seats safer for your infant every year. The design of car seats has evolved significantly over time. There was no LATCH system before 2002 and now every car seat is equipped with this tethering device.

The iPhone is a good example of this. New and improved features are added to Apple’s phones on a year-to-year basis. Seats in automobiles are the same. Models are constantly being introduced to the market.

Consider purchasing a new car seat if you want the most up to date and safest car seat for your child. All of the new convertible car seats are among my personal favorite car seat improvements. Each of my kids had three car seats. The only change I had to make was to remove the booster seat’s back.

Leg stability, ergonomic vehicle seats, and rear-facing for extended periods of time are among the most recent innovations. Check out the gallery below to discover how car seats have evolved through the years.

Wear and Tear

Car seats, like everything else, have a limited lifespan. Extreme heat from the sun can also deform the plastic. Plastic can become brittle even in severe temperatures. Cracks can form in the base if the seat is left in the base for an extended period of time. Seat belts might get dirty or overly elastic. It’s not uncommon for automobile seats to degrade over time.

Yes, I have a son. If this is the case, you’re already familiar with the disgusting state of most vehicle seats. Not can get, GET. My third child was by far the most difficult to deal with in terms of behavior. When I vacuum behind her car seat, I need to wear a biohazard suit. Crayons, goldfish, cheerios, dried milk, and the list goes on and on and on.

Your Car Seat Safety Questions Answered - Parenting

How old are you? If this is the case, you are well aware of the unpleasantness associated with car seats. GET if you’re not able to. In my experience, having a third child was the most difficult. When I take her car seat out to vacuum, I need a hazardous suit. In addition to dried milk and crayons, the list includes goldfish and Cheerios.

Recalls

Despite their insignificance, product recalls do occur. Some car seats are recalled, but not all. Recalls only affect a tiny fraction of the seats on the road. For the last three years, the number has remained below twenty. So what if a recall occurs? Then what? You don’t want to put your infant in an unsafe car seat.

Why does a car seat need to be replaced? Yours could be recalled and you weren’t told. Some mothers remember to check their baby goods for recalls on a regular basis. Those who checked the first time, like me, didn’t think twice about it after that.

Last but not least, parents often do not know how to check for recalls on car seats. Here’s a link to see whether any car seats have been recalled. Do it right now! What’s the holdup?

Safety and Lifespan

The lifespan of a car seat is around ten years or fewer. Car seats’ safety features are only warranted for the duration of the seat’s useful life. Most firms only test a car seat’s safety for the number of years it says it’s good for on the seat. In order to test the safety of an older car seat, they cannot and will not.

Because plastic is lighter and easier for parents to carry, most car seats are made of this material. Plastic, together with cloth and padding, is also more comfy for babies. Babies, like adults, dislike being confined to metal chairs. Consider the possibility of a collision involving metal.

When it comes to a baby’s safety, plastic is a better option than metal. You’d never want to transport an infant car seat if it were constructed entirely of metal. Although plastic car seats have a shorter lifespan than metal ones, they are still the best choice.

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts are another factor in the depreciation of vehicle seats. Older models become obsolete as newer ones are introduced. Every model of car seat that has ever been developed by a company doesn’t have the space or the motivation to be kept in stock.

When a car seat is discontinued, the manufacturer ceases to provide replacement parts. Car seats can’t be used with children if key components need to be replaced.

If you need a replacement part, you may be able to continue using your current seat instead of having to buy a new one before its warranty has expired. In the event that merely a new strap or tether is required, phoning the manufacturer and having the part shipped directly to you can save you both time and money.

Other Important Information

For seasoned mothers, it’s not enough to know why car seats wear out. When it comes to the expiration date of car seats, you need to know all the details. Examine the impact that expiration dates have on a car seat’s purchase and use.

Car Seat Expiration Date Laws

State-by-state car seat regulations can be found at SafeRide4Kids, a helpful resource. A kid vehicle safety regulation exists in every state, and the majority of these states require that children be properly restrained in a car seat. In most states, it is illegal to use car seats after their expiration dates since proper use entails respecting expiration dates. Regardless of the law, doing so is a bad idea.

Car seat safety regulations are governed by federal legislation, although the expiration dates of car seats are not. This raises a few red flags. If car seat expiration dates aren’t mandated by law, then it can appear that manufacturers do so for their personal gain.

While shorter expiration dates benefit the companies, the dates also benefit babies. As I showed you above, car seats expire for several very important reason not just one. Despite the fact that expiring seats may profit the companies, this does not mean that you and your child will not gain from this. Car seats last the life of one baby.

What to Do with an Expired Car Seat

While shorter expiration dates benefit the companies, the dates also benefit babies. As I showed you above, car seats expire for several very important reason not just one. Despite the fact that expiring seats may profit the companies, this does not mean that you and your child will not gain from this. Car seats last the life of one baby.

While shorter expiration dates profit the companies, the dates also benefit babies. For example, as I demonstrated above, car seats expire for more than one reason. You and your infant will benefit from expiring seats, even if it is in the company’s best interest to do so. The lifespan of a baby’s car seat is one year.

Throwing Away a Car Seat

Companies benefit from shortened expiration dates, but so do babies. As I demonstrated above, there are numerous reasons why car seats need to be replaced, and not just one of those reasons. You and your infant will benefit from expiring seats, even if it is in the best interests of the companies. A baby’s life is spent in a car seat.

Car Accidents and Car Seats

Changing a child’s car seat or booster seat after a car accident is the safest option. Car seats can be dangerous even if your child is not in them. Automobile wrecks weaken the structural integrity of the seat. Car seats might be pricey, but if your child is in an accident, the cost of a new seat is well worth it.

  • After the collision, your car was still able to be driven.
  • Airbags failed to deploy.
  • The accident was uninjured.
  • The door closest to the car seat was unscathed.
  • There was no harm done to the car seat itself despite the incident (this may not be obvious)

Using Target’s trade-in event to replace a damaged car seat is an excellent way to save money. If not, call your insurance provider to determine if the child safety seat is covered under your policy. For the most part, car seat insurance is covered by most policies. It’s also a good idea to keep a second car seat on hand as a backup.

Car Seat Integrity

Keep in mind that car seats are constructed of plastic, foam padding and fabric. Despite the fact that these materials have been rigorously tested to meet strict safety rules, they are not designed to withstand more than one accident or protect your kid. You may not see damage, but it could just mean that it isn’t obvious to the human eye.

Think of it this way: You get into an accident. You were hit by a woman who ran a stop sign. Despite slamming on the brakes, the other vehicle continues to strike the front of your vehicle. Your infant is safely tucked away in the back of the car. The infant is safe in the car seat; he is only sobbing because the incident was frightening. Let’s say that you’re involved in another automobile accident and you haven’t purchased a new car seat.

Pick a Car Seat Based on Expiration Date

From a business perspective, it makes sense for car seat manufacturers to get rid of their old stock. Parents, on the other hand, will have a shorter lifespan if they acquire an outdated car seat. If you buy a car seat and check the manufacture date on it when you get it out of the box, it says it’s already two years old.

Previously, your car seat might last up to six years. This car seat isn’t suitable for a second child! When purchasing a new car seat, be careful to check the date of production. If the seat was not made in the year in which you currently reside, you should exchange it for one that was. The alternative is that you can inspect for worn or torn portions as well as other concerns (such as mold) if you buy a secondhand car seat. There is no need to purchase a car seat if the manufacturing date is more than two years old. A car seat is one of those items that is better off spanking new.

It’s no secret that I’m a tightwad. Despite what my husband claims, I know the truth. On the whole, I’ll try to save money wherever I can. Though even I won’t buy used for some things. Hairbrushes, bras, and underwear; even toothbrushes and car seats.

Buying or Using a Used Car Seat

In light of the rising cost of new car seats, purchasing a secondhand car seat would save a lot of money. Buying new baby goods isn’t always an option for everyone’s budget. The same car seat and other infant gear may be used by some families for multiple children.

If you decide to purchase a used car seat, be certain you are aware of the seat’s entire history. At a yard sale, you may come across an automobile seat that has been in a minor collision. A car seat’s integrity can be jeopardized by even a little mishap. Incredibly, it’s plastic! Due to the fact that it’s not composed of gold or metal, it needs to be replaced more frequently when threatened.

Used Car Seat Checklist

  • Check the expiration date of the car seat. When a ticket expires within two years, do not buy.
  • Make a thorough inspection of all components for signs of damage or abuse. The lack of stickers is a good indicator of abuse. Find another used car seat if the stickers are missing or in bad shape.
  • Examine the upholstery and seat belts for signs of deterioration or contamination. You don’t need to put your baby in someone else’s filth when she will inevitably vomit on the seat covers.
  • Make sure the car seat hasn’t been recalled by checking the manufacturer’s website. Also, check to see if the manufacturer is still making the model you want. Seat replacements are more readily available if the model is still being manufactured.
  • You can tell how old a car seat is by looking at its fabric, but if it has missing stickers, you should not buy it. Plastic only has a ten-year shelf life.
  • Inquire about the seat’s past history. It is possible to buy a used car seat that has been involved in an accident. It’s a serious problem, because car seats are only designed to protect a baby in a single crash. It’s best to buy from a trusted source to ensure you’ll receive the complete history.
  • Avoid purchasing a car seat without the instruction handbook.
  • Make sure all the pieces are there. The latch system, the seat belt, and the rest of the harness should all be checked, as should the seat belt’s ability to latch.
  • Make sure everything is in order. The seat belt should still click into place. Make sure everything works properly, including the fastening system and the seat belt.

5 Best Safety First Car Seats [Safe, Durable & Nontoxic]

1.Safety First OnBoard 35 Air 360– All-Around Safety

Smaller babies up to 4 pounds can use the optional pillows that come with the carrier to feel more snug and safe.

It also uses special cushioning to provide protection in the event of an accident. The seat is designed to direct the energy from a collision around the child’s torso, in order to reduce the potential for injury.

In the case of an accident, it uses a specific cushioning to protect the user. It is designed to direct the impact of a collision around the child’s torso, reducing the risk of injury.

In the case of an accident, it employs special padding to protect the user. The seat is meant to direct the impact of a crash around the child’s torso, reducing the risk of harm.

Pros

  • Designed Especially for Infants’ Safety
  • Every angle of a car was used to conduct the crash tests.
  • Ensures the utmost safety

Cons

  • The Canopy Is Not Staying Up, People Say
  • Protecting a Child from Rain or Sun is a Challenge
  • The backrest is hefty.
  • Smaller Vehicles Cannot Accommodate It.
  • Car Seats for Forward-Facing Children Must Be Purchased Separately

2.Safety First Grow and Go – Best 3-in-1 Seat

When your baby grows older, you can use it as a forward-facing seat for children weighing 22 pounds to 65 pounds. Finally, it can be used as a booster seat for children weighing 40 to 100 pounds.

The QuickFit Harness

The Grow and Go 3-in-1 has features including side impact protection and a harness and headrest that can be readily adjusted. Special cushions are provided for infants when they are placed in a rear-facing position. Because of the seat’s slim profile, it’s perfect for automobiles with little inside space.

Additionally, the seat pad can be cleaned in the washing machine and dried in the dryer, making maintenance a breeze. Despite some challenges with harness setup, the NHTSA rated the Grow and Go 3-in-1 an average ease-of-use rating of three stars.

In the meantime, the seat has a 9.1 out of 10 safety rating on various car seat websites. There was a 3.9 out of 5 star rating on the manufacturer’s website. Growing and Going 3-in-1 has a 4.4 rating on Amazon as well.

Pros

  • It’s a One-Time Investment That’s Perfect for Parents.
  • Effortless and Quick Setup
  • Simple Procedures for Cleaning and Maintaining

Cons

  • Installation Is Difficult and Takes A Long Time
  • The Installation Requires the Help of Two People
  • Too Much Weight on the Seat
  • It’s difficult to transfer a seat from one vehicle to another.

3.Safety First Guide 65 Convertible Seat – Best Space Saver

This backseat can accommodate three people in most tiny cars because it is specifically designed for them. If you have a large family, this could be a godsend!

It’s a more compact and lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on safety, thanks to its side-impact protection, 5-point harness, and thick cushioning. There is an adjustable headrest, removable body pillows, and a cup holder for additional comfort. Because Safety First is so popular, it’s not uncommon for the installation to be difficult.

Pros

  • It weighs only 15 pounds.
  • Three car seats can be stowed across.
  • Comfortable and padded
  • Inexpensive

Con

  • A challenge to set up

4.Safety First Continuum 3-in-1 Convertible – Long Lasting

The Continuum, like the Grow and Go 3-in-1, can be used at three distinct stages in your child’s growth. First, it is suitable for infants weighing between 5 and 40 pounds.

When a child weighs between 22 lbs and 50 lbs, it can be turned around so that they are facing forward. Finally, the Continuum can be used as a booster seat for youngsters weighing up to 80 lbs. in weight.

Fits in Smaller Cars

Smaller vehicles can benefit from the Continuum 3-in-1, like the Grow and Go 3-in-1 and the Guide 65. The seat pad is machine washable, making cleanup a breeze.

The QuickFit Harness on the Continuum 3-in-1 is designed to keep your child safe by allowing you to adjust both the headrest and the harness in a single step. Three stars on Safety First’s website and four stars on Amazon give it a total rating of 4.3 stars.

Pros

  • In terms of federal safety criteria, the seat is above and beyond.
  • It is the greatest option for parents who are looking for high-quality safety.
  • The chair is quite light.
  • For parents, this is a popular option.
  • Can be multi-used as rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster

Cons

  • Can be multi-used as rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster
  • Has the ability to be used as a booster seat in addition to a car seat.

5.Safety First Grand Booster – Best Booster Seat

One of the most versatile booster seats, the Grand Booster can sit three people across most vehicles and includes an easy to clean cover and two dishwasher-safe cup compartments. Carpool moms, here is the place to be!

The velvety fabric and adjustable head and neck pillow make long car drives more comfortable. Aside from its portability, this seat is also quite lightweight. As a booster, it has all of the benefits of a 5-point harness, but it also has all of the conveniences.

Pros

  • Head, neck, and shoulder support in an ergonomic design.
  • It’s simple to clean.
  • Not too heavy or cumbersome.

Con

  • Unsuitable for backless booster usage.

Are Safety 1st Car Seats Non-Toxic?

If our children’s car seats aren’t safe, we as parents worry about it. When it comes to car seats being non-toxic, this isn’t an outlier. Before a car seat can hit the market, the NHTSA mandates that all manufacturers achieve a mandated flammability standard. Fire retardant is used sparingly on all seats manufactured by Safety 1st.

They use a synthetic and natural cotton neoprene blend for all of their car seats. They are quite comfortable. The Safety 1st car seats that they sell are not all non-toxic.

Even for a newborn, they are considered safe due to the small amount of flame retardant required by law in the United States. Get the best information on nontoxic car seats by reading our Best Nontoxic Car Seat Reviews.

Buyer’s Guide

The Safety First brand’s car seats are examined in this buyer’s guide to see how long they will last, how many years they are intended to be used, and, most importantly, how safe they are.

Each seat will be graded based on these variables so that you can see the pros and disadvantages of each seat.. In the end, you’ll be able to make the greatest decision for you and your child because of this.

Durability

The weight capacity and impact resistance of a car seat determine its long-term usability. Almost all of the car seats in the table below can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations.

For youngsters weighing up to 100 lbs., there are also booster seats available. Most of the seats below can hold an infant weighing up to 40 pounds in the rear facing position. The seat is capable of protecting a youngster weighing up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing position.

Intended Years of Use

You’ll be able to tell how long the seat will endure by looking at how many years it’s supposed to be used. There is a shelf life for car seats like there is for any other product. Using and wearing out a product’s specific materials, which are intended to keep your child safe, will eventually cause them to break down.

The expiration date of your child’s car seat is important to know in order to ensure that they are receiving the highest level of safety. The date can frequently be discovered online on the website of the maker or on the product itself.

Safety Ratings

Amazon.com and the manufacturer’s website are both included in the overall rating of the product in order to give you a clearer picture of how well it works. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides an overall user-friendliness grade. Using this list, you can see how straightforward it is to set up each of the listed products.

Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat – 2021 Review & Verdict

Why Safety First Car Seats Are A Great Option?

In addition to offering excellent protection for your child, each of the car seats on this list comes with a variety of useful extras. Safety First Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat came out on top for us in the final analysis.

It’s an excellent alternative for parents looking for long-term security because of its robust safety features and reasonable price. There are a number of options on the list above that may be better suited for you and your child.

Safety First car seats are a fantastic choice when it comes to protecting your child in the event of an accident while you are driving.

FAQs

Can you use expired car seats?

No. Do not utilize a car seat that is more than a year old. Though the seat is still functional, there are a number of safety issues to be aware of, such as outdated safety regulations and degraded plastic, even if the seat appears to be in fine condition.

Are car seat expiration dates legitimate?

There are safety guidelines for the manufacture of car seats. After a certain age, the manufacturer is unable to guarantee that the seat is safe, hence an expiration date is set to ensure that the seat is safe (if it is undamaged). Even if a car seat has beyond its expiration date, there is no way to know for sure. It is your duty as a guardian or parent to keep a child safe at all times. In most places, effective usage of a child’s car seat necessitates that the car seat is no older than the expiration date of the manufacturer.

Can you sell used car seats?

Never sell an expired car seat. In so doing, you are compromising the safety of a child. Never sell a car seat that has been involved in a car accident. Never sell a car seat that is under recall. You should sell a car seat only if the seat is well within its expiration date, is not under any recall, and if you have ensured that all parts are present.

Why does a car seat expire?

Avoid reselling an old child safety seat. You are putting a child’s safety at risk by doing this. ‘ Don’t ever try to sell a car seat that has been involved in an accident. Never sell a car seat that has been the subject of a recall. A car seat should only be sold if it is in excellent condition, has not been subject to a recall, and has all of the required pieces in tact.

  • Plastic degrades over time, especially if exposed to extremes of temperature.
  • As knowledge, technology, consumer expectations, and automotive design advance, so do safety requirements.

Where can I find the expiration date on a car seat?

It is common for the expiration date of most car seats to be found on either the bottom or the back of the seat. You can get the expiration date associated with a product by looking up its serial number and then contacting the manufacturer (or visiting the manufacturer’s website).

What do I do with an expired car seat?

If your city has a Target store, holding a car seat trade-in event there is probably the easiest thing to accomplish. It is possible to recycle any type of car seat via the car seat trade-in program at Target.

To recycle the plastic shell, you will need to remove the cover and harnesses and dispose of them yourself.

How long do baby first car seats last?

In most cases, car seats are only meant to be used for a short period of time. First, look at the expiration date and age limit on the label or user manual to determine when it’s time to replace your child’s car seat.

Industry organizations like Transport Canada can provide guidelines on expiration dates and technical standards, which are revised on a regular basis to reflect the most recent findings in research.

How do I know if my safety first car seat is expired?

If you’re looking for a date, check the bottom of your vehicle seat!

As quickly as possible, if it’s expired, you should get a new one. One year after the date of manufacturing, the product’s expiration date should be listed.

Product codes can also help establish whether or not a safety first car seat should be replaced. Find and turn over your base plate cover with a flat head screwdriver until you see six digits (e.g. A12–00123) separated by dashes.

They must be replaced immediately if those numbers are smaller than 364522, which indicates that they were manufactured prior to February 17th, 2016.

What happens if you use an expired car seat?

In the event of an accident, the seat may not be able to protect your child.

Cracks or frayed straps in the car seat could compromise the safety of the child restraint system.

The buckles and exposed plastic on older seats are more fragile than those on newer models, which can result in injuries to children.

It is possible that the seat is too small for your child.

If the authorities catch you driving with an expired car seat, they can levy a fine against you.

How long are safety first car seats good for in Canada?

Parents in Canada are demanding for a recall of child safety seats due to their short expiration dates. Rear-facing chairs should be used until a child reaches the maximum weight limit, which varies by seat, between the ages of nine and 18 months old, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS).

Most car manufacturers, however, advise against using forward-facing seats until a kid weighs more than 40 pounds, citing safety concerns regarding the child’s neck strength.

When a professional tells a parent that their child should be removed from a five-point harness, they are able to talk them down from their hysterics! As far as experts are concerned, there is not enough data to determine when a child is safe in a forward-facing vehicle seat.

They also advised that parents who want their children to ride in a five-point harness for as long as feasible consider replacing it with a convertible type that can later fit an adult belt system.

Final Thoughts

Plastic is the primary material used in vehicle seats. Plastic, that’s what it is. Plastic, although being the most convenient and safest material to transport by car, has a useful life of just ten years. Plastic deteriorates over time, and manufacturers can only guarantee the safety of a seat that is at most ten years old. Some car seat manufacturers only offer a six-year warranty on their products. Either way, you should keep track of the expiration date on your car seat and dispose of it as soon as possible.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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