Do you know what the expiry date is on your car seats? If not, you’re not alone. In fact, according to a study by The Guardian, only one in three people actually know the expiration date on their car seats. Even more alarming, almost half of those who do not know the expiration date say they would not replace their car seat even if it was past its expiry date. If you own a car and use a car seat, it’s important to be aware of the expiry date so that you can replace it if necessary. Here are some tips on how to find the expiry date on your car seat:
What is an expiry date?
A car seat’s expiration date is the last day that it is legally permissible to use the seat in the United States. This information is typically printed on a label affixed to the seat or contained in the car seat manual.
What happens if the car seat is expired?
If the car seat is expired, it may not meet current safety standards. In fact, some states don’t allow use of an expired car seat. If you’re using an expired car seat, your child could be in danger if a collision occurs. In addition, if the car seat is malfunctioning due to being out of date, it could cause serious injury or death to your child.
Are there any exceptions to the expiry date rule?
The expiry date on car seats is typically a legal requirement in many countries. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, car seats that are used for infants and children who are less than 2 years old can be used until the child turns 2 years old. The same applies to car seats that are used for pregnant women and new mothers. And finally, car seats that are damaged beyond repair can be used until the damage is fixed.
How can I tell if my car seat is expired?
When it comes to car seats, the safest option is to check the expiration date. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that car seats be replaced every five years or when their expiration date is reached, whichever comes first. If you are unsure of your car seat’s expiration date, there are a few ways to find out:
For child safety seats that are sold in stores:
Look on the back or inside of the seat for a sticker with a manufacturer’s logo and the seat’s expiration date. The sticker will usually be located near the hinge where the back meets the seat cushion.
Check online at sites like carseatchecker.org or safercar.gov where you can enter your make and model of vehicle and find your seat’s expiration date.
For infant seats:
The expiry date will usually be printed on a label inside the carrier, or you may be able to find this information online if you search under “manufacturer” and “expiration.” It is important to note that some carriers have a shorter lifespan than others- typically those made from more durable materials will last longer than those made from softer fabrics. Replace an infant carrier every 3-6 months even if its expiry date has not yet arrived.
What to do if my car seat is expired?
If your car seat is expired, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it is no longer in use and potentially unsafe.
First, check the expiration date on the product packaging.
Second, if the product packaging has a dated-to or best-by date, that is typically when the product will be at its most effective.
Third, if you have a car seat that is more than six years old or if it has been involved in an accident or sustained significant damage, it is likely not safe to use and should be replaced.
Fourth, always use a certified car seat for your child. A certified car seat means that it meets government safety standards. Certification is not mandatory by law but many manufacturers choose to certify their products.
If you have any questions about car seats or how they work, please don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician or family doctor.
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t pay much attention to the expiration dates on car seats. But if you’re in the market for a new car seat, it’s worth checking the label to see when the seat will no longer be safe to use. Most car seats have an expiration date of between five and ten years after manufacture, but some models have shorter or longer lifespans. Make sure to check your specific seat model before purchasing it so that you know when the warranty expires.