What To Do With Expired Infant Car Seats: Complete Guide
First surprise as a new mom – car seats expire!
Parenthood is full of surprises, but this was one of the first. And just like many of you, I was confused as well. Until I began talking to experienced parents, pediatricians, and CPS technicians.
So, let’s dig deeper into what to do with expired infant car seats and if you can sell or donate them. From when you should replace an infant car seat, when you can reuse it, to what to do once it expires – I’ve laid it all down.
Table of Contents
Why Car Seats Have an Expiration Date
An expired seat is basically an old infant car seat that is too dangerous to use. Usually, most car seats have an expiration period of six to ten years. Check the label on your car seat to be sure about when it expires.
Now, some believe that the expiration date on a car seat is a myth. But it’s not.
Think of it like a porch swing. With long-term use and exposure to elements, the swing degrades with time. Similarly, the expiration date indicates the invisible damage to the car seat.
- The plastic used in the frame can degrade over time, making it prone to breakage even in a minor accident.
- Frayed harness straps, old chest clips, etc., can compromise your little one’s safety while you’re on the road.
- Traffic safety standards are evolving faster than lightning nowadays – so, old car seats don’t comply with the new rules.
- Every car seat has an expected life span and is tested within those limitations. Manufacturers can’t guarantee your little one’s safety when you use it beyond that lifespan.
Signs To Replace Your Car Seat
The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that you replace your infant car seat every 5 to 6 years. Also, watch out for these issues to know whether it’s time for a new seat:
- Child’s Development: Kids are safest in their rear-facing infant car seats. Aim to keep them in there for as long as you can; preferably up to 2 years. Once they reach the height or weight limit of the seat, switch out for a bigger or front-facing one.
- Car Accidents: You must replace the car seat if airbags were deployed in an accident, the door closest to the seat was damaged, passengers were injured, you had to tow the car, etc.
- Expiration Date: Using a car seat past its expiration date is not only illegal, but is also extremely dangerous for your little one.
- Recalls or Damages: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA lets you check for recall notifications regularly. Simply register your car seat as soon as you get it, and check periodically.
What To Do With Expired Infant Car Seats
I have six wonderful kids. So, my home is similar to a storage container for all kinds of baby things. While the clothes, toys, and books are easier to donate, the strollers, swings, or the car seats are the most difficult. They’re also the ones that take up the most space.
That’s why I’ve figured out a couple of things you can do with your expired infant car seat:
1. Car Seat Trade-in Programs
- Car seat trade-in events are organized by several big-box stores similar to Target. You can exchange your old car seat for store credit or gift cards.
- You can also opt for discounts to buy a new car seat. I’ve always found this the most convenient option.
2. Donate the Car Seat
- Unfortunately, most places don’t accept donations for car seats because they aren’t sure of their history. So, you will have to hunt for an organization willing to take it.
- You can try local churches, women’s shelters, and even CPSTs; CPSTs can use your seat for demonstration purposes.
- Please be honest about the seat’s condition and history. Hand over all the necessary accessories and documents like the manufacturer or owner’s manual, warranty cards (if any), etc.
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3. Proper Recycling
- If you are recycling your old and expired car seat, you must follow a proper recycling protocol, or you can find experts to do the same.
- Locate and contact a car seat recycling center in your area to understand the process. You’ll have to remove the additional gears like seat covers and the harness to make it easier.
4. Safe Disposal
- If you’re looking for another easy option similar to trade-in events: this is it. But don’t simply put it in the trash, so anyone can pull it out and use it.
- Remove all the padding (even the foam), cut off the harnesses, smash the plastic frame (which could be a fun stress reliever), and then safely dispose of it.
- You can also use a permanent marker to write ‘expired’ on the seat, but it might be unnecessary after all that!
When to Reuse An Old Car Seat
Reusing a car seat can be tricky. And it’s always better to get a new one if you’re unsure of the seat’s history.
But, does that mean you can never reuse an old car seat? No.
Here are a few instances when you can:
1. Within The Expiration Date
- If you’ve got an old but unused car seat, check its expiry. If it is well within its expiration limit, you can consider reusing it.
- Just make sure all the parts are intact and there’s not much wear and tear you’ll have to deal with.
2. After Thorough Cleaning
- Babies using dirty and stained gears are my pet peeve! I’m sure you don’t like it either. So give it a good scrub before using an old car seat.
- Remove the machine washable covers and throw them in the washer for gentle cleaning. Use child-safe disinfectants to clean the body and the nooks and corners.
3. Good Condition
- Aside from a few stubborn stains, a pre-loved or hand-me-down car seat must be in mint condition.
- Before accepting and using it, check for any cracks in the plastic body, fraying of the belts, or missing parts like the chest clip or even the manual. Inspect the seat thoroughly by removing the cover.
4. Accurate Usage History
- This is the most concerning issue with a hand-me-down car seat. You can never be too sure of its history. So, try your best to get its usage history.
- Even though some believe minor car accidents can’t damage a car seat, manufacturers often suggest replacing it even after a minor accident. Plus, the damage is usually invisible to the naked eye.
FAQs: What To Do With Expired Infant Car Seats
1. Are Expired Car Seats Safe?
No, they’re not. Period.
These expired car seats can’t guarantee the safety of your little one on the road. So, I always suggest investing in a new one, even if you think you’ve preserved it well.
2. Why Should I Not Use Expired Car Seats?
Most damage to infant car seats is invisible to the naked eye.
1. But after its expiry, you’ll even find noticeable wear and tear, and the plastic body can disintegrate in places too (this isn’t usually visible).
2. Plus, older car seats often don’t comply with the latest road safety regulations. And that’s a huge deal.
That’s why using an expired car seat is never a good idea.
3. Can You Sell Infant Car Seats?
Yes, you can sell infant car seats.
But you must ensure it has never been in any car accidents and hasn’t been modified, recalled, or expired.
It’s better not to sell the car seat even if it has been in a minor car accident. Just the slightest bumps can compromise the safety of the seat.
4. What To Do With A Recalled Car Seat?
Infant car seats or other products are usually recalled due to unsafe defects.
So, if your car seat has been recalled, stop using it immediately! Then, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on returning or repairing it to the T.
Never pass down, donate, or sell a recalled car seat.
Check For Recalls: Register your car seat with the NHTSA. Type in the manufacturer’s name, and the car seat’s make and model number periodically to check if it has been recalled.
5. How Many Years Are Infant Car Seats Good For?
On average, car and booster seats are good for about six to ten years.
But, infant car seats have different models and makes. So, I’d recommend you go through the manufacturer’s guide or the owner’s manual for an accurate expiration date.
Further Reading: Know When to Use Booster Seats
Final Words: Doing Away With Expired Infant Car Seats
Car seat expiration dates may seem unbelievable, but it’s real!
The expiration date indicates how reliably it can protect your baby on the road. So, adhering to the expiration date is a no-brainer!
Once the car seat expires: find a reliable trade-in event, recycle center, or follow the guidelines to discard it properly. If you want to sell or donate the car seat, do it before it expires.
As parents, let’s look out for all children, not just ours. Remember, it takes a village!
