infant car seat expiry

[evthing4reason]

How long are the carseats good for? Its a graco snugride...I can see the manufature date but not the expiry date . It says manufatured dec 30th 2004 but i can't remember how long they are good for

[LauraB78]

I also wouldn't use a second-hand carseat.. I know they are expensive! Believe me, I understand $$ issues, but that is unsafe especially when you dont know the history..

Can you register for a travel system and maybe some one can buy you a new one? I think Target and Walmart run specials on them...

[GRose]

I would really hope that a mom wouldn't sell a car seat that has been in an accident, I think most people know better than that.

[bimbicat7]

i was advised also never to buy car seat second hand even if you know the people

[ashiepooh]

Oh an the experation date, is usually visible once you take the cover off, like if you were going to wash it.  It should be stamped on there with a date the says expires.  

[ashiepooh]

Usually it's 5 to 6 years they are good for!  As long as they've never been in a car accident, or anything!

[Jules31981]

Be careful with second hand you have no idea if they have been in an accident.  An officer told us to NEVER by a carseat secondhand!!!

[evthing4reason]

i did buy it second hand (with the stroller). I just can't get it out to see if there is an expiry on it because i'm still on bedrest.  

[toes33107]

My friend is a police officer, and she has already read me the riot act about borrowing my sister's car seat from them.  She said it's 5 years for the expiration date.  But she said that borrowing/buying from others is also bad even if they haven't been in an accident.  Apparently, she informed me that when a baby is taken out of the seat, the straps should be loosened every time.  So, the straps are pulled and pulled, and the integrity of the straps is compromised and makes them less effective.  We still have the one from my sister, but in case you wanted more info., that's what she told me!

[worriedbabe]

I thought they were ok as long as you bought them new, hadn't been involved in an accident and were within the guidelines for your baby's weight. never even thought about an expiry date, but i'll definitely make sure the one i buy has a recent manufacture date, as now i've thought it makes sense that they might be safer the more recently they were made.

[GRose]

Joy is right, I wouldn't use one older than 5 years.

[JoyRenee]

I think they are good for 4 or 5 years? It's weird they didn't stamp an expiration date on it.