Car seats and expiration dates

[aristocatz]

First time mom so please no flames.

I just found out today that car seats have expiration dates. I had no clue

Does anyone know why they have expiration dates & how long they generally last for?

Thanks

 

[HelenePA]

6 years.. on the bottom is either a made date or expiration date

 

[aristocatz]

6 years.. on the bottom is either a made date or expiration date

Thank you! Why do they have expiration dates?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thank you! Why do they have expiration dates?

Technology changes

Car seat technology is always evolving, as are vehicles' ability to secure seats properly and consistently. Before 2002, Lower Anchor & Tethers for Children (LATCH) did not exist. Now it's a common system by which car seats are installed. The same is true of top tethers on car seats and tether anchors in cars. A skilled technician would never think to bypass tether usage if it is an option. This technology exists to make our children safer.

Materials wear out

Plastic stresses and warps. Straps and fabrics fray and rip. Instruction manuals get lost or destroyed. Important instructional labels fade, tear or fall off completely.

Manufacturing landscapes change

Your manufacturer may no longer stock replacement manuals and parts. Maybe the company has gone out of business entirely.

The bottom line is this: Know how to check your car seat's expiration date and vital information. Retire that old car seat and get a new one if necessary. As always, ask for help. Contact a CPS technician for some curb-side instruction.
http://safetysquad.typepad.com/safety_squad/2007/08/why-do-car-seat.html

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Thank you! Why do they have expiration dates?

I have heard two answers -- one is that the materials break down, the other is because technology and car seat laws are always changing, to keep you from using an out-of-date seat. That being said, I don't have a problem using a seat that is a year or two "expired."

 

[aristocatz]

Thank you-makes perfect sense

 

[NAB]

Yes same reason bicycle helmets or sport helmets have expiry dates too. The plastic breaks down over time.

I thought it was 5 years for both car seats and helmets.

 

[Malibustyle23]

Also just in case you didn't know, if a carseat or booster seat has been in a car accident it is not supposed to be used again.

 

[mrsklamc]

I have heard two answers -- one is that the materials break down, the other is because technology and car seat laws are always changing, to keep you from using an out-of-date seat. That being said, I don't have a problem using a seat that is a year or two "expired."

Is it legal to use an expired carseat?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Also just in case you didn't know, if a carseat or booster seat has been in a car accident it is not supposed to be used again.

Also, when disposing a car seat, you should cut or remove all the straps so it can not be used by somebody else.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Is it legal to use an expired carseat?

Not exactly. Most laws require carseats to be used "according to manufacturers directions". However, a police officer is not going to pull you over and inspect the date on the bottom of your carseat, or whether the straps are at or above their shoulders, or how tight the seatbelt is.

Having said that, if there was an accident and you were using an expired carseat and your child was injured or killed, it might limit the liability of the other driver.

 

[Skippy918]

Some car seat brands have longer expirations. My Radian has an 8 year expiration. There should be a sticker on the back or bottom that says not to use past a certain date.

 

[tvguy]

You are also supposed to replace a car seat if it was in the car when there was an accident, even if they were unoccupied at the time. Co-worker got a minor tap on the back bumper, $1000 damage to the bumper, her insurance told her to make sure the other cars owner's insurance paid for new carseats.

 

[aristocatz]

Wow-thank you-this is really helpful info!

It's funny you mentioned the accident thing. I was actually in a very small car accident just yesterday morning. I was in a downtown area stopped at a traffic light and someone was backing out of their street parking place & hit the side of my car. The door has some scratches & dents. My baby was not in the car at the time.

Should I mention this to my car insurance agent?

 

[pigletgirl]

Wow-thank you-this is really helpful info!

It's funny you mentioned the accident thing. I was actually in a very small car accident just yesterday morning. I was in a downtown area stopped at a traffic light and someone was backing out of their street parking place & hit the side of my car. The door has some scratches & dents. My baby was not in the car at the time.

Should I mention this to my car insurance agent?

Yes, even if a minor thing I was told to report it.

 

[Anne MN]

I know that some stores have "events" a few times a year, like Babies "R" Us and they will let you turn in expired car seats and give you I think it is $25 gift cert.

 

[MSLRAC]

Wow-thank you-this is really helpful info!

It's funny you mentioned the accident thing. I was actually in a very small car accident just yesterday morning. I was in a downtown area stopped at a traffic light and someone was backing out of their street parking place & hit the side of my car. The door has some scratches & dents. My baby was not in the car at the time.

Should I mention this to my car insurance agent?

You should mention the seat to the adjustor but don't be surprised if they do not replace it. The NHTSA recently started suggesting that only seats that were involved in moderate to severe accidents be replaced. They also define the criteria for replacement of seats involved in minor accidents. So insurance companies are not as quick to replace seats as they used to be.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/childrestraints/reuse/restraintreuse.htm

 

[Mom_Rides]

You should mention the seat to the adjustor but don't be surprised if they do not replace it. The NHTSA recently started suggesting that only seats that were involved in moderate to severe accidents be replaced. They also define the criteria for replacement of seats involved in minor accidents. So insurance companies are not as quick to replace seats as they used to be.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/childrestraints/reuse/restraintreuse.htm

I was in a fender bender this week and my insurance said they only replace car seats if they're occupied at the time of the accident ( thankfully it was not). However, I emailed Graco and they recommend the seat be replaced. I passed that along to my rep and we'll be getting a new seat. He said they can't contest the manufactuers recommendation.