Were you aware that child safety seats expire 5 to 6 years after they have been manufacturered? It’s true. So now, in addition to making sure the seat is installed properly, you have to watch the expiration date. In fact, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has noted the importance of paying attention to the expiration date as one of their top recommendations for car seat use.
How Does a Child Safety Seat Expire?
Exposure to the sun and high temperatures causes the pastics in child safety seats to deteriorate. Once this happens, they become unsafe for use. The ability of the seat to protect is also compromised if the seat has been in an accident. In simple terms, expired car seats can be dangerous. Also potentially dangerous are used child safety seats, especially if you don’t know the car seat’s history.
It’s About the Date of Manufacture not the Date of Purchase
This is very important to note – the expiration date is calculated from the date the seat is manufactured, not the date you purchase it. If, when shopping for a new car seat, you find a great deal, it’s most likely because it’s a previous year’s model. While this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the seat, it does mean you should be aware that it will expire sooner than the newly-release car seats.
Where on the Seat can the Expiration Date be Found?
The expiration date is usually stamped on the base of the car seat. If your seat shows the date it was manufactured, figure the seat will be good for about 5 years after that date.
Decommissioning an Expired Child Safety Seat
When your child safety seat expires, please don’t put it out at the curb or give it to a thrift shop for resale. Instead, check with your local municipality to see if they offer a recycling program for expired child safety seats.
Child Safety Seat Checks
Shade Tree Garage holds free Child Safety Seat Checks each month, specifically the 2nd Saturday (from 8:00am to Noon) and the 3rd Tuesday (from 5:00pm to 8:00pm). During the checks, certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will help you make sure your seat is installed properly. You can learn more on our Facebook page.
How to prepare for a Child Safety Seat Check event:
- Be prepared to learn, not just watch the the Child Passenger Safety technician install the car seat. They are trained to teach you.
- Know your child’s weight and height.
- Bring your child with you (along with another adult to help watch your child while you are learning).
- Install the seat in your vehicle before coming to the event. Be sure to use the instructions that came with the child car seat along with the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual about car seats.
- Bring the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual.
Additional Child Seat Safety Resources
Here are some other sites that provide great information on child safety seats: