Do carseats "expire"??

[barnone]

I thought I heard that carseats are only good for 5 years. Does anyone know if this is true? DD was born in 2007 so her carseat will be almost 5 yrs old when our new LO is born. Wasn't sure if I can still use her infant seat or need to get a new one??

TIA, Barbara

[Bellamoon]

most have a 5-6 year expire date, your seat should either have the date of manufacture or the expire date on the shell somewhere.

[monica-m]

Yes car seats expire. Safety standards change and plastic degrades over time. Most seats on the market are good for 6 years from the date of manufacture. Peg Perego infant seats are only good for 5 years. There are some seats that are good for 7 or 8 years but it depends on the seat. The information on expiration will be found in your manual. What seat are you thinking about reusing?

[foodie.yarnie.mommie.]

It's usually between 5-8yrs, it should say on the back of your carseat.

[barnone]

Originally Posted by monica-m Yes car seats expire. Safety standards change and plastic degrades over time. Most seats on the market are good for 6 years from the date of manufacture. Peg Perego infant seats are only good for 5 years. There are some seats that are good for 7 or 8 years but it depends on the seat. The information on expiration will be found in your manual. What seat are you thinking about reusing?

We have the Graco Snugride, manufactured April 2007. I just read in the manual not to use it after the date on the bottom of the seat. I'll go check that now...

[barnone]

Sweet! It says not to use after December 2013. We're good. Thanks everyone!!

[jess71903]

I like Graco's "December of the 6th year" thing .

If you have ever washed the straps in the washing machine or using chemicals, you might order a new set of straps from Graco, too.