Did you know car seats expire? All car seats have an expiration date (varies by manufacturer) and they range anywhere from 5-8 years from the date of manufacture. So, like milk, you should probably check the expiration dates before buying (or shortly thereafter).
The two biggest reasons they expire are:
* Technology changes
* Wear and tear of materials (changes in temperature, and normal extended use)
Big Daddy thinks it’s some conspiracy from the car seat makers but it sort of makes sense to me. The thing that doesn’t make sense to me is why the seats are getting bigger (as in wider and heavier) each year to the point that even in a super-sized SUV you can just fit two car seats across the row and forget about putting a third person there—-unless they are the size of Thumbelina or extremely emaciated.
One of the smartest things I’ve ever done as a mother (and of course I’ve done many–ha) is to get our car seats professionally installed by a child passenger safety technician. I did this for the first time with our newborns and have done it each time we’ve switched car seats ever since. Not because I’m lazy and cannot read the directions, but because it’s important and FREE. You can visit the Seat Check, Safe Kids, or NHTSA website to find a location near you. In some areas they will even come to your house!
SEVEN out of 10 children in child safety seats are not properly buckled in.
When it comes to car seats I’ve also learned that bigger isn’t necessarily better. By increasing the weight of your car seat by 15 lbs (or more) you’ve just turned your 30 lb child into a 45 lb child when it comes to projection. That is one reason why a lot of car seats have tethers that unfortunately few parents even use in the forward facing position.
You will be amazed at what you will learn about car seats from the technician so definitely make a point of scheduling an appointment to have your car seats checked, even if you’ve been using them for awhile. Sometimes they have recall information that you’ve missed or they may even inform you that your car seat isn’t even made for your type of car! Who knew?
If you need to brush up on your National Car seat safety laws read this. There is also a great article about why car seats expire from the Safety Squad that I recommend reading if all this sounds new to you.
In case you are curious, our new car seats are the Sunshine Kids Monterey Booster and Britax Marathon.
A very nice police officer installed them for us and we love them!
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I’m not sure I’m ready for this…
Sweet Thanks
The sun is rising on my joy
Villa Blanca- Dining in Beverly Hills
Dads say the funniest things…
And I always thought I’d buy my first car seat soley on it’s level of cuteness!
My mom tried to get an inspection on the car seat she has in her car for my niece. The local police are supposed to do it and my father, being a town firefighter, called the officer in charge and never even received a call back. They have tried calling multiple times without success. I am glad you posed some alternative organizations that I can pass on to my mom so she can ensure the safety of the car seat.
I’d have to agree that picture was to cute that it would be hard to pass up because the temperature had changed the elasticity and it is fifty pounds. I switch the car seat around so much I bet those people would be so sick of doing it for free. So true about bigger, they are going to start building massagers and toilet seats right into them.
I love your comments.
la la la–la la la la
That’s great info… I didn’t know this! Thanks.