Reuse

When a child outgrows their car seat, or another baby joins the family, the idea of reusing a seat is a popular and economical choice. However, car seats are life-saving devices, and their effectiveness can be compromised over time or after an accident. Before you pass a seat down or accept a used one, it is critical to perform a thorough safety inspection to ensure it can still provide maximum protection.

Check the Expiration Date
Car seats do not last forever. Materials wear down and safety standards constantly evolve, which is why every seat comes with a date of manufacture and an expiration date.
- Location: Look for a white sticker on the back or bottom of the car seat.
- Lifespan: Car seats typically expire six to ten years after the date of manufacture.
- Why it Matters: If a seat is past its expiration date, it is no longer safe to use or donate.
Assess the Crash History
A car seat must never have been involved in a moderate or severe car accident. The impact of a crash, even if not visible, can compromise the structural integrity of the seat.
- Minor Crashes: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has guidelines for reusing a seat after a minor crash. However, many car seat manufacturers have stricter guidelines and recommend replacing the seat after any crash. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replacement: If you are in doubt about a seat's history, it is best to invest in a new one. In most cases, car insurers will compensate you for a car seat replacement following an accident.
Inspect the Condition and Completeness
Only use a car seat that is in good, working condition and has all its original parts.
- No Damage: The seat should not have any visible cracks, unusual bends, or broken or missing parts.
- Recalls: Ensure the seat has a label with the model number and date of manufacture so you can check with the manufacturer or NHTSA for any recalls.
- Instructions: You need the manufacturer's instructions to know how to install and use the seat correctly. Instructions are often available on the manufacturer's website.
- Harness Straps: Never wash the harness straps with detergent, disinfectants, or bleach, as this can damage the harness's ability to hold up in a crash. They should only be cleaned according to the car seat manual, or replaced if they become too dirty.

What to Do with Unsafe or Expired Car Seats

If a car seat is expired, damaged, recalled, or has been in a crash, it should not be used again. Instead, you should dispose of it responsibly to prevent it from accidentally being put back into use:

Label and Destroy: Cut the harness straps and clearly write "expired" or "unsafe" on the seat before discarding or recycling.
Recycle: Car seats are not simple to recycle in a curbside bin. You will need to remove all fabric and straps, separate the metal and plastic components, and follow local guidelines for proper disposal of the different materials.
Trade-In Programs: Some major retailers host car seat trade-in events where you can bring in an old or damaged seat and receive a discount on a new one.