What Is An Expired Car Seat
An expired car seat is a car seat that’s too old to be used safely. The expiration date on a car seat varies by manufacturer â typically six to 10 years from the manufacturing date â but all car seats expire eventually.
To find out if your car seat is expired, you can check your car seat for a label or printed area that lists the car seat date of manufacture. Some car seat models have a longer lifespan due to steel reinforcements or other features, and these seats will likely list an exact expiration date. If your car seat has no expiration date listed, consider it expired six years after the date of manufacture.
If you’re unsure about your car seat’s expiration date, you can call the manufacturer to help you determine if your car seat is expired.
Are All Car Seat Bases The Same
No, not all Car Seat Bases are the same. While many Car Seat Bases may look similar at first glance, there are a few details and specifications that arent easily recognizable initially.
Depending on the specific brand you have and the manufacturer, you may not be able to use one brands car seat for another brands Car Seat Base. Before you do so, we highly recommend that you check with the company to make sure you can use different brands together.
But Why Do Car Seats Expire
There is actually a very good reason for car seat expiration dates.
Manufacturers Alliance Child Passenger Safety says components may degrade over time. Car seats are made from petroleum-based plastics. This material is excellent for producing a strong, reliable child restraint, but it is subject to degrade from environmental factors. Car seats sit in a car during freezing temperatures to super hot temperatures of 140 degrees or more. Overtime this can make the plastic brittle.
Some say plastics take forever to break down so how is this possible? Let me give you an unrelated example. I have acrylic glasses acrylic is a type of plastic. After about 9 years of having the glasses, the arms had cracks in them. These arent my everyday glasses, and they havent been dropped or otherwise physically harmed. An eye glass technician told me acrylic glasses tend to become brittle after about 6 years.
Sun exposure can also cause damage to plastics and synthetic fabrics often used in car seats. There is research to backup damage from sun. It doesnt refer specifically to how the plastic used in car seats might degrade when subjected to standard use in vehicles.
Food or drinks spilled on, or cleaning agents used on, or dirt gathered in webbing, buckles, adjusters and other parts may prevent them from working safely after some time. If the seat is installed and removed frequently or taken traveling, parts may become lost.
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Are Expired Car Seats Safe
Injuries from car accidents are a leading cause of death among children, and expired car seats may not protect your child in the event of a crash. Because of this, expired car seats are not considered safe and should not be used. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents not to use a car seat past its expiration date, or six years from the date of manufacture if the car seat has no expiration date.
Following all safety guidelines for car seats can reduce severe and fatal injuries in children by as much as 80%.
What Do Car Seat Expiry Dates Mean
If you have no idea that car seats can expire after several years of use typically less than ten years, now its a good time to update your knowledge about the Graco car seats expiration date.
As a daily use essential, the car seats just like the vehicles, have a given expiry date that tells you how long the seat can reasonably be used will still be considered safe.
While there are incidents that may shorten the life of a Graco car seat, the expiry date is there to ensure that your car seat is being used to provide optimal protection for your little one for the longest time.
If nothing happens, such as an accident, car seats wont suddenly go bad on the exact date of expiry.
However, that date is for your reference to know how long you can reasonably expect the Graco car seat to last. Many factors that result in a car seat expiration cant be personally controlled, so you cant estimate your Graco car seat to last longer than the due date.
Its never a good idea to continue using a Graco car seat past the expiry date regardless of how well condition it was maintained. You can before your Graco car seat expires by taking proper care of it.
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Why Do Infant Car Seats Expire
While you might be tempted to buy a cheap second-hand car seat from a friend that seems to be in good condition, there are very valid reasons for car seats to have an expiration date, and it isnt for car seat manufacturers to sell more seats.Car seats expire for two main reasons: materials wearing down and the evolution of technology and safety regulations.
Each Manufacturer Will Have A Recommended Service Life Date For Individual Products
‘Service life’ recommendations are a bit like a ‘best before’ date. They’re set by the manufacturers and vary across different car seat models.
For instance, Britax has a 6-year service life for its infant or harnessed car seats, while Joie has a best before date of 5-7 years for its harnessed seats and another 7-10 years for its older child seats.
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So with its new Every Stage seat , if you added the maximum time an infant and booster seat can be used, it would last around 17 years.
The service life also depends on how you use the car seat.
If you used an all-stage car seat for one child and kept it in the car while your little one grew through all the groups as anticipated, it will last beyond the full 12 years, and you won’t have to change it.
However, if you were a child minder who used the seat for carrying children below 4 years then best practice, according to Joie, would be to change the seat every 5 to 7 years as you would only ever use it in the Group 0+ or Group 1 mode.
But always check with the car seat manufacturer if in any doubt.
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Where To Buy A Car Seat With The Longest Life Left Before Expiration:
If you discover that your car seat is expired, make sure you use an AUTHORIZED car seat retailer, and not just look for a good deal online because there are imitation car seats out there , just like anything else, and it is NOT what you want for your child. In fact, in the event of an auto accident, your child must rely on the integrity of their car seat to protect their bodies from the crash forces. Many vendors now sell directly to Amazon, which is very convenient if you dont live near a retailer, or if you prefer to shop from home.
When Do Graco Infant Car Seats Expire
It is recommended that you replace your car seat every 6 years or sooner if it is involved in an accident. The expiration date is usually located on a sticker on the side of the seat.
If you have a Graco car seat they have a useful tool on their website where you can input the model and serial number of your seat to find the expiration date.
It is important to keep track of the expiration date of your car seat as the materials and construction can degrade over time and may not provide the same level of protection in the event of an accident.
If you are unsure of the expiration date of your car seat it is always best to err on the side of caution and get a new one. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of your child.
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When Do You Stop Using Graco
Just like the Graco car seats, the bases that are part of the travel systems expire as well. Regardless if you have one that has received a 5 customer rating, car seats expire within 6-10 yearsdepending on each individual base. Refer to the specific safety information for the one you have or are considering. There should be a manufacture date located at the bottom of the base just like the car seats. You can look up your specific base on the website I provided earlier in this article. Graco infant seats normally have 4.8 out of 5 ratings on the product review site.
How Long Is A Car Seat Good For Everything You Need To Know About Car Seat Expiration Dates
Have you ever grabbed a gallon of milk from the grocery store, and poured yourself a glass when you get home, only to be overwhelmed by the putrid smell or chunky texture? It doesnt take long for you to realize you didnt look at the sell-by or expiration date on the jug. You had unknowingly picked up an expired gallon of milk. If youre anything like me, down the drain goes the bad milk as it is unusable and not fit for human consumption.
You may be wondering what milk and car seats have in common. More than you think! They both have expiration dates or use-by dates if you want to think of it in that respect. Because they are safety devices, car seats have a period of use that starts at the date of manufacturing and ends at their expiration date. Knowing, understanding, and adhering to a car seats expiration date is extremely important to the safe use of the seat and the safety of your child. Many parents dont know that car seats expire, or understand why they do. So lets dive into all you need to know about car seat expiration dates!
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Graco Turbobooster Lx Backless Booster Best Price Booster
Graco Turbobooster LX raises your child to the proper height for use with your vehicles lap/shoulder belt. It also has a front-adjust LATCH system.
It provides a secure connection to your car to keep the booster seat secure even when its unoccupied. Furthermore, Latch helps keep the seat in place, thus making it easier for your child to buckle the seat belt independently.
Great Value Booster
This backless booster comes at a great value. Its muted color and simple fabric blends right in with any cars interior. It has a cup holder for your little ones drink to rest. And it even has storage compartments inside where your child can store things he/she uses on car rides.
Dimensions
The Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster Car Seat weighs 3.5 pounds and it is 8.6 inches high. Ensure that your childs head does not reach over the seats back when he sits in the booster car seat. Children can ride in the Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster Car Seat from 40-100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.
- Easy cleaning: removable and washable pads
Cons
How Long Are Graco Car Seats Good For
Typically, most Graco car seats are good for between seven and ten years after the date of manufacture, depending on the car seat type and frame materials. It’s important to check this manufacture date when you’re buying a Graco car seat. This is the only way to make sure how long it can serve you .
CarSeatOn
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What To Do With An Expired Car Seat
An expired seat should be disposed of in a manner that makes it unable to be reused by other caregivers. If your state offers a car seat recycling program, please take part, and drop your seat off to be recycled. Otherwise, before disposing of, remove the padding and all soft goods, cut the harnesses, and label the plastic shell with a permanent marker stating, Expired. Do not use. Another measure many caregivers choose to do is to place all soft goods in a separate bag or trash can than the shell to prevent others from reassembling the seat.
Expiration Date If You Have A Graco Car Seat:
- Infant Car Seats: The seat will expire 7 years after the date of manufacture on the label and the date label can be found on the back of the seat.
- Convertible Car Seats: The expiration date for convertible car seats is 10 years after the date of manufacture. Convertible car seats expire 10 years after the date of manufacture. In addition, the date label is found on the back of your car seat.
- All-in-One Car Seats: These seats need to be tossed and their use discontinued 10 years after the date of manufacture. The label can also be found on the back of the seat.
- Harness Boosters: Discontinue use and toss this seat 10 years after the manufacture date listed on the back of the seat, because it will be expired.
- Belt-Positioning Booster Seats: These seats expire 10 years after the manufacture date listed on the label that is affixed to the back of the seat.
Here are some examples of what the expiration date label might look like for GRACO car seats:
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Buy A New Graco Car Seat
If you still have kids who need a car seat, it’s time to upgrade your Graco to a newer model. Your new seat will have more up to date safety features that will give you a lot more peace of mind than the old expired seat. Even if you’re particularly fond of the current Graco seat that you have, the newer model of it likely won’t seem much different to you but it will be much safer for your little one. There’s a variety of Graco car seats to choose from whether you’re looking for an infant car seat, convertible car seat, or a booster seat.
When Does A Graco Car Seat Expire
When does a Graco car seat expire?
Most Graco car seats have an expiration date of seven years from the date of manufacture. However there are some models that have an expiration date of 10 years. You can find the expiration date on a sticker that is located on the back or bottom of the car seat. Once a car seat expires it should no longer be used.
The reason car seats have an expiration date is because over time the materials they are made from can degrade and become less effective. This is especially true for the plastic and metal parts of the car seat. The expiration date is the date at which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the car seat will perform as it is supposed to.
If you have a car seat that is about to expire you should not throw it away. Many charities and organizations will accept expired car seats and either recycle them or use them to train first responders. You can also check with your local landfill to see if they have a special program for disposing of expired car seats.
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Car Seat Expiration: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a car seat base good for?Most car seat bases are good for six years from their manufacturing date.Why do car seats expire after 5 years?Most car seats expire after six years because of wear and tear but also because safety regulations and new technology developments might render older models less safe to use.How do I dispose of an expired car seat?You can then try to exchange it for a discount from a retailer or dispose of it at a recycling center near you.Do insurances replace a car seat after an accident?Most insurance companies will replace your car seat if it was involved in an accident. You should check with your insurance policy and contact your insurer if you are unsure about your particular situation. In any case, a car seat that was involved in an accident shouldnt be used again.Is it illegal to use an expired car seat?Depending on where you live, it might be illegal to use an expired car seat. While the law doesnt explicitly prohibit the use of an expired car seat, some states do have proper use clauses making it mandatory to respect safety standards.
How Do You Install A Graco Car Seat With A Seat Belt Forward
To install a Graco car seat with a seat belt forward, you will need to place the base securely in the vehicle. Once this is complete, you should follow these steps:
Slide the latch plate into your vehicles anchor. Make sure that it locks securely and tightly closes on its own when released. If not, try again.
Next, you will need to pull up on the shoulder belt and push it down a few times until it latches into place.
It should lock with a click sound before moving forward again without coming out of its own accord once released from your hand or between two fingers pulling apart quickly as if you were testing how strong those latches are.
If you are using a lap belt, make sure the buckle is latched securely and tightly closed by trying to pull it apart.
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