Even if it looks like it’s in mint condition, a car seat may be rendered useless thanks to its expiration date. Let’s explore further.
Why Car Seats Expire
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are two main reasons that car seats have expirations. First are the wear and stress on the seat itself. Over time, car seat material such as plastics and webbing degrade due to temperature differences, exposure to “kid” use (think juice, formula, crackers, etc.), and other related factors. Second, technology is always improving so that a car seat that was state of the art years ago is no longer the best available or the safest.
Car Seat Expiration Date
Many top manufacturers will display the expiration date clearly on the seat. You may need to do a bit of looking to find that date. If you don’t see it listed on the seat the “rule of thumb” is six years from the date of manufacture.
Expired Car Seat – What to Do
Some communities have car seat recycling programs, and in many communities, the plastic shell can be recycled. Check with your sanitation department or check recycleyourcarseat.org for information. Please, never just give expired seats to a friend or sell via consignment. They are not safe – period. Alternatively, you could donate to a car seat expert who could use it as a demonstration during their classes.
Car seat expiration dates matter. It is never okay to use an expired seat or to make modifications to a seat unless approved by the manufacturer. Your baby and child’s safety depend on you!
