Do Car Seats Really Expire?

Published date:

2022-10-14
Score: 4.22/5 (39 votes)

Are you searching for an answer to the question: Do car seats really expire? On this page, we've collected the most accurate and complete information to ensure that you have all of the answers you need. So keep reading!

Car seats generally expire within six to eight years after their date of manufacture (not the date the seat was purchased). Manufacturers base their expiration dates around how long they expect their seat to function safely as designed, so the dates can vary from one brand or model to the next.

You may wonder, is it ok to use expired car seat? 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%.

Similarly one may ask, why do they say car seats expire? In general, car seats expire between 6 and 10 years from the date of manufacture. They expire for a number of reasons, including wear and tear, changing regulations, recalls, and the limits of manufacturer testing.

Besides above, do hospitals check expiration dates car seats? Before you're allowed to leave, most hospitals require parents to bring your infant car seat into your hospital room where the nurse can inspect the car seat to make sure it's up to date and also help parents learn how to buckle their babies in properly.

Likewise, why do car seats expire after 5 years? 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.


How many years should you keep a car seat?

Car seats can be used safely only for a defined period of time, typically 7 to 10 years. Think about it: Your car seat goes through a lot during its useful life.

How many years is a Graco car seat good for?

Depending on the model, Graco car seats typically last from seven to ten years. A majority of the Graco infant car seats expire seven years after the date of manufacturing. Most of the convertible car seats expire ten years after the date of manufacturing.

Is Target doing a car seat trade in 2022?

Sunday, September 11, 2022 through Saturday, September 24, 2022. What type of car seat qualifies for a trade in? Target will accept and recycle all types of car seats, including: infant car seats, convertible car seats, car seat bases, harness or booster car seats, as well as car seats that are expired or damaged.

Do strollers expire?

Strollers do not have expiration dates; however, the car seat included in a travel system does expire.

Is it illegal to use an expired car seat in Canada?

All car seats and booster seats sold in Canada have an expiry or useful life date. Using an expired car seat or booster seat is against the law and puts your child at risk. If you can't find the expiry date on your seat, you can find the “useful life date” specific to your seat in your instruction manual.

What kind of car seat do I need to leave the hospital?

You can take your child home legally in any seat in which they properly fit and is properly installed. The hospital cannot legally hold your child. If things are escalating further than really they should, call the police. Ask them to escort you out of the building to your car.

Do backless booster seats expire?

Yes, just like car seats, backless booster seats also have an expiration date on them ranging from 6 to 10 years of useful life. Backless booster seats that are expired should no longer be used and have to be discarded to ensure it is not used beyond its expiration date.

What do I do with an expired car seat base?

Remove the car seat cover and any padding underneath it. Discard the fabric, foam padding, straps, and mixed metal-plastic pieces and small plastic pieces. Mark the plastic as expired or unsafe. Recycle the bulky plastic body and all-metal pieces.

Is it illegal to use an expired car seat in Michigan?

If using the expired car seat results in the child not being properly restrained in accordance with the child restraint manufacturer's and vehicle manufacturer's instructions, a Michigan State Police enforcement member may issue a citation for this violation.”

Is Target doing a car seat trade in 2022?

Sunday, September 11, 2022 through Saturday, September 24, 2022. What type of car seat qualifies for a trade in? Target will accept and recycle all types of car seats, including: infant car seats, convertible car seats, car seat bases, harness or booster car seats, as well as car seats that are expired or damaged.

How long are car seats good for in Michigan?

8 years oldMichigan's Child Passenger Safety Law requires:

Children must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.


Do Car Seats Really Expire - What other sources say:

Why do Car Seats Expire? (Is it a conspiracy?)?

Car seat manufacturers decide car seat expiration dates based on the expected useful life of their product. Most car seats expire after 6 to 7 ...

Yes, car seats expire and here's why - The Car Connection?

Yes, car seats typically expire after six years from the date of manufacture, though that can vary depending on manufacture and car seat. A ...

Car Seat Expiration Dates Are Legit. Here's Everything You ...?

safetyMost manufacturers give their car seats expiration dates of 6 to 10 years after they're made, at which point a car seat could, at best, ...

The Reason Why Child Car Seats Expire - Verywell Family?

There is no government regulation in the United States that requires an expiration date on car seats. Rather, car seat manufacturers decide them based on a set ...

Why Car Seat Expiration Dates Exist and How to Find Them?

In general, car seats expire between 6 and 10 years from the date of manufacture. They expire for a number of reasons, including wear and tear, ...

Expiry dates on child car seats - what you need to know?

The short answer is no. Car seats do not have a set expiration date like food or drinks, and there are no legal requirements that determine ...

Expired Car Seats: What to Know - WebMD?

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 — typically six to ...

The complicated truth behind car seat expiration dates?

"There is no law prohibiting the sale of secondhand car seats post expiration or before," Minter tells Motherly. There is no law, Minter learned ...

When Do Car Seats Expire? - Graco Baby?

Car seats can be used safely only for a defined period of time, typically 7 to 10 years. Think about it: Your car seat goes through a lot during its useful life ...


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