We all remember 2007. It was the year of the pandemic and Graco was one of the brands to suffer. After all, it’s no secret that car seats are one of the most important pieces of safety gear a parent can buy for their kids. If you have a Graco car seat that’s from 2007 or earlier, it might be time to get it replaced. And not just because it may not meet current safety standards; your car seat may also be due for an expiration date. If you don’t replace your car seat soon, you could face fines from the government and even potential safety risks for your child if they remain in a expired car seat. So whether you’re just curious or trying to be proactive, read on to learn more about when your Graco car seat expires and how to replace it.
What is Graco and what does it do?
Graco is a leading manufacturer of car seats and strollers. They make a variety of different car seats for infants through toddlers, as well as travel systems. Graco car seats are typically affordable and have received positive reviews from parents. Some features that make Graco car seats popular include their easy installation and lack of excess padding or excess straps.
What is a car seat expiration date?
The safest place for your child in a car is in a car seat that is properly installed and date-stamped. Graco recommends that the expiration date on your car seat be reviewed at least once every three years to ensure its safety. If you find that your car seat has reached its expiration date, it is important to replace it as soon as possible.
How to tell if your car seat is expired
When is a Graco car seat considered expired? A Graco car seat should be replaced when it has reached the end of its design life or when the manufacturer’s expiration date has been reached. The expiration date printed on a Graco car seat is typically two years from the manufacturing date, but this can vary depending on the model. Graco does not recommend using a car seat after its expiration date.
What to do if your car seat is expired
If you have a Graco car seat that is more than six years old, it may not meet current safety standards. If your car seat is expired, it may not protect your child in the event of a crash. There are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of your child:
1. Get a new Graco car seat for your child.
2. Verify that your Graco car seat meets current safety standards by checking with the manufacturer or looking online.
3. If you are using your car seat for travel, make sure to bring a copy of the proof of purchase with you so that you can show it to customs officials if necessary.
How to replace a car seat
Replacing a car seat is an easy task that most parents can accomplish. Here are the steps:
Remove the old car seat from the car and take it outside to dispose of it in accordance with local laws. Remove the buckles and straps from the new car seat. Locate and remove the harness connectors. Insert the child into the new car seat, making sure her head, neck, and spine are aligned properly. Fasten the harness connectors in place. Replace any buckles or straps that were removed from the old car seat. Test fit the car seat in your vehicle by fitting one end of the child’s safety belt through each of the vehicle’s shoulder belt slots and threading it through both sturdy clips at either end of the bench seat (see image).
Conclusion
As parents, we always want to make sure that the safety of our children is our top priority. One way to do this is by ensuring that their car seats are up-to-date and compliant with current safety standards. Graco has released a new model of car seat called the Liberator, which falls into this category. Unfortunately, the 2007 Graco Car Seat that my daughter currently uses does not meet all of the requirements for the Liberator. If you’re in possession of a 2007 Graco Car Seat, I recommend checking to see if it’s compliant before using it in future events.