Expired car seats

Is it based on law or recommendations?

Re: Expired car seats

Manufacturer's recommendations. But, I figure, if the company that makes the seat says "We can't vouch for the safety of your child after X number of years....", I'll take that as a stronger message than a law that can't really be enforced.

ETA: different manufacturers have different expirations on their seats. Most are 5, but some will state that their seats are good for 6 years or more.

Message edited 9/21/2012 7:13:28 AM.

Expired car seats

http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/safety-laws.php#Child-Car-Seat-Laws
Child Car Seat Laws

Any child younger than four must ride in a federally approved child safety seat that's properly secured by a safety belt or a universal child restraint anchorage system.

As of November 24, 2009, all children younger than eight years old must be secured in a child safety seat restraint system. This includes safety seats, harness vests and booster seats attached via safety belts.

Any child younger than four, but who weighs more than 40 pounds, may be secured in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.

If all safety seats are occupied, a child who would normally require a booster seat should instead be secured by a lap belt.

Every rider younger than 16 must use a seat belt.

http://www.safeny.ny.gov/sesa-ndx.htm#regarding

What conditions would make my car seat unsafe?

Your child's safety seat MAY NOT BE SAFE if:

it has been in a crash
it has missing parts
it has no labels or stickers
it is on a recall list
it is over 6 years old
it is not used properly


Then an Oregon Article says - using a seat past expiration voids the warranty and is not following manufacturer's instructions, which is required by many state laws."

Message edited 9/21/2012 7:37:41 AM.

Re: Expired car seats

OK so sounds like it isn't against the law.

I'm sorry but if my infant seat, used for less than 6 months is going to expire during the duration in which I need it, I am NOT spending another $150. I'll put the baby in a Britax convertible sooner. If it expires in 5 it might be cutting it close, if it's 6, I have plenty of time.

Re: Expired car seats

It's not a law, probably b/c it's hard to enforce. But if the people who make my infant car seat tell me, "It's a bad idea to use this seat after XYZ date because we can't guarantee your child's safety," I wouldn't use it. ITA - switching to a convertible seat early might be your best option. You don't *need* an infant seat at all; most convertibles can be used from 5lbs. If your baby is a car sleeper, do you have a friend who's infant carrier you could borrow for a few months?

Re: Expired car seats

Expired car seats

The integrity of plastics deteriorate over time. Any plastics, not just car seats. Especially if stored in an attic or basement where temperature and humidity can be extreme. Besides the plastics the fibers in the straps as well as the metal in the seat could be compromised from time as well.

Honestly, the safety and well being of my child would trump spending money even if its for a month or six months. You can go to Walmart and get a brand new Graco or evenflo infant seat for under $100. (Some are even under $75) They pass the same safety test as the more expensive seats on the market. Or you can go right to a convertible as another posted suggested.