Facts About Car Seats: Car Seat Expiration Explained

Car seat expiration is a crucial aspect of child safety. Over time, exposure to changing temperatures and wear and tear can compromise the integrity of a car seat. Staying informed about expiry dates and adhering to manufacturer guidelines is vital to ensure the ongoing safety of children during travel. Let’s talk more about the facts of expired car seats.

Boy using a car seat. — Source: flickr.com

Car seats are already very commonly used by people all over the globe because of their broader significance. It is meant to temper the impacts of a collision or crash by helping the body to slow down, thereby protecting your child’s head, the brain, and the spinal column–car seats are no wonder undeniably important to ensure the safety, security, and health of your precious cargo. There are car seat safety standards, like several crash tests, that car seat manufacturers have to adhere to. But, there are also guidelines for parents to follow when it comes to the use of car seats, convertible car seats, and even car seat expiration. The seats that are part of travel systems will also have expiration dates, along with the bases you install in your vehicle.

Expiration Dates Of Car Seats

According to research, child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 70 to 80 percent, while booster seats minimize the risk of non-fatal injuries by 45 percent relative to just seat belts. But how long is a car seat suitable for? As with all good things come to an end, car seats do expire after some time. Parents must know what their car seat expiration dates are, and that when the seat expires they no longer use it.

Car Seat Expiration Facts

The car seat expiration referred to in your seat’s safety information is real, and here are seven facts you need to know about how long car seats are suitable for:

Kids use their car seat in the car. — Source: flickr.com

Yes, It’s Not A Market Strategy.

Do child car seats have a designated life span? Most people tend to think that the concept of car seat expiration is just a strategy of car seat manufacturers and distributors to compel their customers somehow to change their car seats after some time, as this would translate to sales. The reality is that car seats have a designated lifespan, and the need to replace them is a significant safety concern. The designated lifespan of a child’s seat is in place to facilitate updates with new safety features. Details about the end date can be found in your car seat’s safety information.

Also, the materials that your car seat is made of will start to break down, causing them to not function the way they’re supposed to. An expired car seat can be a very dangerous piece of baby gear because it won’t serve as side impact protection the way that it should. It’s important to note that an outdated seat may not provide adequate protection in the event of a moderate or severe crash. The American Academy of Pediatrics heavily cautions against using a car seat beyond its expiry date.

Car Seats Last For About Six Years From The Manufacturing Date.

If you want to know how long are car seats good for, it depends on the brand because the duration varies slightly. One thing is for sure: it is commonly about six years. This is true for the following brands: Britax, Chicco, Cosco, Evenflo, and Recaro. Meanwhile, for Diono, Evenflo Symphony, and Safety 1st, though, it could last two more years. But the longest may have been for Evenflo SafeMax, Graco, and Maxi-Cosi, which can go for around ten years.

You should be able to find the car seat’s manufacture date printed on the bottom of an infant car seat or convertible car seat.
You’ll then just add the six years, or the appropriate length of time, to that date to find the car seat expiration date.
Don’t forget that the bases that are part of travel systems will also have an expiry date. This will give you a sense of relief, knowing that you will be using a valid car seat.

Car Seat Manufacturer Marks The Expiration Dates For Easy Identification.

Car seats are not subject to any government regulation mandating an expiry date. Instead, manufacturers establish expiry dates guided by general principles. If you want to determine when seats reach the end of their lifespan, check for stickers as these are the familiar places to find expiration dates. It could be located somewhere around the back of the car seat, at the bottom, or under the fabric padding. Some end dates are specified on the seats themselves. Better take note of these the moment you purchase them. Knowing what the expiry date is will keep you from inadvertently putting your baby in an outdated seat. This is part of the safety information you should keep in mind throughout the use of the seat.

You can find the manufacture date printed on the seat's bottom — Source: dover.af.mil

Car Seats Deteriorate Through Continuous Use Over Time.

The base of most car seats is plastic, and seats are exposed to quick temperature changes even though they stay inside the car. That is one of the reasons why seats, even the best car seat models, have a designated lifespan. The plastic reinforced belt paths, among other components, are susceptible to the effects of temperature variations. The temperature inside could go from very cold because of the air conditioner to very hot when left outdoors during the heat of noontime. That takes a toll on plastic and causes it to weaken over time. These factors make it necessary to impose car seat expiration to ensure the best quality.

This applies to rear-facing infant car seats, convertible car seats, and car seats that are part of travel systems, as well as the bases.
It’s crucial to exercise diligence, especially with the use of older car seat convertible styles intended for children as they grow.
These are meant to be used as your baby gets older, so make sure you know the car seat’s expiry date. Even an older child should not be sitting in an expired car seat.

Car Seats Can Go Obsolete After A Few Years.

Technology developments improve the capabilities of an old car seat to protect your little one better. While used car seats could be a practical option, you cannot just decide on it haphazardly. So it would always be better to double-check for the expiry date so that you won’t be using outdated car seats. Also, make sure to test the car seat for possible wear and tear. Even government agencies render old car seats obsolete over time.

You want to make sure the baby products you’re using are doing the best job at what they’re intended for. When peer-reviewed studies reveal better ways to protect our children, it’s a good idea to go with the products that have the best safety information. That might mean staying away from used car seats convertible in nature, infant car seats, and travel systems car seats. You need your seat’s features to hold up in the event that you need them to.

Better And New Car Seat Models Come Out In The Market.

Aside from the modern technologies involved in the new car seats, there are also better car seats in the market because of the innovation they bring. That means some seats may fit your vehicle better than the old one. They may be more comfortable due to a softer fabric. They may be more durable due to the materials used. They may be easier to install than the older versions.

Travel systems are very popular for families with infants and young children. These come with a stroller, an infant seat meant for rear facing, and sometimes a base that the infant car seat can just click in and out of in the car. Many families will try to keep their travel systems to use again with another baby. The strollers typically won’t have termination dates, but the rear-facing car seat and base will. Also, those pieces often get updated with newer, better features. Make sure you get these replacement parts if you’re planning to keep using your travel systems with multiple children.

Additionally, the research and safety standards conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) play a crucial role in creating guidelines for manufacturers. These guidelines ensure that the car seat model can meet safety standards, not only in terms of crashworthiness but also in determining the appropriate lifespan of car seats.

When regulations change, there are updates in car seat regulations, focusing on safety, testing, materials, and technology, which may lead to adjustments in expiration recommendations by manufacturers. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for ensuring ongoing safety and compliance.

Car Seats Deteriorate Through Continuous Use Over Time.

First of all, it would not be best to throw your used seats in the trash. You may have to do some dismantling so that somebody would not unknowingly use it past the expiry date.

You need to remove the foam from the expired car seat.
Discard the car seat padding and fabric.
Cut the expired car seat’s harness straps.
Cut the cover seat of the car seat.
Remove any expired car seat metal parts.
To have an easier time, you can also bring your expired car seats to stores that offer special rebates for trade-ins.

When consulting safety information regarding outdated car seats, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to dispose of them responsibly. The recommended method involves dismantling the seat as a responsible approach.

So the next time you hear an ad about the expiration of car seats, believe them. Take the responsibility to know when a seat expires and dispose of it accordingly when the time comes. Child passenger safety does not just happen with how you use one car seat but knowing when to stop using it when it is no longer serving its purpose to protect your little ones.

FAQs:

How Long Can You Use A Car Seat Before It Expires?

The typical lifespan of most car seats is around six years from the date of manufacture. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents refrain from using seats past their expiration date or 6 years from the date of manufacture if the car seat lacks an expiration date.

Do Car Seats Expire And Why?

Yes, car seats have designated lifespans, typically ranging from 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. The primary reason is the wear and tear that occurs over time, impacting the structural integrity and safety features of the car seat. Other reasons are:

Exposure to fluctuating temperatures, sunlight, and general use can lead to the degradation of materials, contributing to the expiration of car seats.
Evolving safety standards and technologies may render older car seats less effective compared to newer car seat models.

Regularly replacing car seats ensures that children continue to travel safely in accordance with the latest safety guidelines and advancements.

When Will My Car Seat Reach The Recommended Lifespan?

The date of the expiration of a car seat is stamped on the manufacturer’s label. Usually, there’s a white sticker that’s located on the sides of the base of the car seat that tells about the expiration date.

Are Outdated Car Seats Illegal?

In some states, expired car seats could be considered illegal to use.

Does A Car Seat Belt Positioning Booster Seat Become Outdated?

Yes, a belt-positioning booster seat expires just like convertible car seats and those that are part of travel systems do. They can expire anywhere from 4-12 years out. However, most belt-positioning booster seats will have expiration dates averaging about 6 years. You can refer to the safety information provided along with the belt-positioning booster to see exactly how many years it should last.

What Can You Do With An Expired Car Seat?

If you have an expired car seat at hand, then you’re most likely to replace it with a new one. But what can you do with a car seat that has reached the end of its recommended lifespan? The simple answer is: recycle it. For example, just like any appliances or used items, you may give them to city recycling programs. If by any chance you don’t want to recycle it, throw it properly in a dumpster. The bottom line is that you should not reuse a car seat after it reaches the end of its recommended lifespan.

Why Do Child Restraint System Bases Expire?

Most car seats are also made from plastic, and due to extreme temperatures, plastic gets weak over time. Some scratches and deteriorations are also not visible to the naked eye. Aside from that, changing regulations and newer versions of the technology are being implemented each year, which is why it is essential to replace a car seat for your version might be outdated and not suitable anymore to be used for protection and safety purposes. Safe kids are protected by up-to-date car seats, and expiration dates ensure that your car seat gets replaced accordingly.

Is My Graco Car Seat Expired?

Graco expiration dates can vary from six to ten years or more. That is depending on the type of car seat.

Is A Car Seat Still Good After The Expiration Date?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that parents should avoid using car seats that are way past their expiration, for they will not efficiently support the riders anymore in the event of a car crash accident. An expired seat may not be good for your child’s health.

Can You Still Use The Car Seat After The Expiration Date?

Yes, you can still pretty much use a car seat. But keep in mind that expired car seats will not be able to provide outstanding protection in comparison to non-expired car seats. Parents are advised to use one that is still due to its manufacturing date sign.

Should You Purchase A Used Car Seat?

It is not advisable to purchase a hand-me-down car seat or car seat that is already used by someone like your friend. Pre-owned seats pose the risk of missing parts. Further, used ones may have worn-out parts that are no longer in good condition. But if you are considering buying a used car seat because it makes sense with its discounted price, make sure that the car seat is still working well, or else you’ll spend more money in buying a working one. Also, consult the previous owner of the car seat regarding the date of manufacture and the serial number, as most car seats have a designated lifespan and are meant to be replaced with a new one. Be aware of the expiration dates of car seats. A manufacturer recommends just buying a new one with your registration card.

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Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Rejie Salazar

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