OT: What to do with car seats

[schlepsnort]

We have 3 car seats that we no longer need/use, none of them are more than 2 years old, what can we do with them? I know that in our area the resale shops do not sell them because of the dangers of not knowing where the seat has been (i.e. if it had ever been in a car accident, which they have not been). I tried selling them in a garage sale (we still have the instruction manuals) and nobody wanted them. I have tried selling stuff on Ebay and I'm sick and tired of people not paying me for items they've won on bid. So I refuse to ebay any more.
So what can we do with these seats? One is the infant carrier seat with base (evenflo) and one is a convertible front/back facing seat and the other is a front facing only seat.

Suggestions please! I kinda feel bad just throwing them away!

 

[frndofpooh]

Do you have a preschool or church bulletin board on which you could post a notice about them? Even if it was just to give them away, at least they would find a good home. Or how about Craigslist?

 

[princesspwrhr]

I second the suggestion of a local bulletin board. Check churches, MOPS, MMO, Social Services, Planned Parenthood. Some areas that have freecycle groups also have similar for sale groups search yahoo groups for one in your area. Does your town have one of those trader magazines? Kind of like the Auto trader or Boat trader but it's usually stuff like beds, furniture, appliances so a car seat would fit in there. What about friends of friends or friends of family? Parents of kids in your kids sports or scout groups? Anyone having a baby or in need of the next seat up? Have you called all of the resale shops? Most of the ones around here won't resale car seats either but some, the lower end ones, will so it could be worth a couple of minutes on the phone calling around.

I understand your frustration. So far I have been lucky enough to know someone, or know someone who knows someone who is in need of a seat when we've progressed up. But I also understand the concern of a potential buyer. I personally wouldn't buy a car seat second hand from someone I don't know.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I'm in the same situation somewhat....I have an infant carseat that is 3 years old and I know I won't need it again in the timeframe that they are supposed to be used. I am planning to donate it to a home for young, unwed mothers. The other place I considered was the childrens shelter where the kids are in transition between their Parents or guardian and foster care. I'm hoping I can just find a good home for it.

 

[PaulaSue]

What about donating them to a shelter for abused women and kids? Here it is a tax write off and you would be helping someone.

 

[tammy1210]

I second the women's shelter donation suggestion - that's what I've done with all of ours and they've welcomed them.

 

[CastleCreations]

In our town, You can donate items to the local firehouse. They can usually get the items in the right hands. Otherwise, I would check out your local goodwill or health dept.