I'm getting ready to move my little girl from her infant seat into a big girl car seat. We were given an Evenflo car seat that I'm planning to use. I've made sure there are no recalls on this particular model, but I noticed on the back of the seat is says do not use after December 31, 2010. I've never heard of an 'expiration' date for a car seat. Just wondering why they would print this on there?? Is it really not safe to use after that date? I was hoping we could use this seat for a few years as it goes up to 40 pounds in the front facing position. I've tried to call Evenflo, but they are closed for the weekend - I guess I'll try them on Monday but just wanted to see what you guys have to say in the mean time. Thanks!!
Thanks for the info - I have never heard of car seats having an expiration date! I guess we'll use this one until it expires or until we can get a new one. it's good to know so I can keep an eye out for the expiration date when we have our second!
The reason for the expiration dates is that materials degenerate after years of wear and tear.
I had never heard of a car seat expiration date so I looked it up and found this informative article/blog to share:
http://safetysquad.typepad.com/safety_squad/2007/08/why-d...
Oh yeah, car seats do have exp dates. We use Britax and on them they only have the date when they're made,on the webside however it's says to stop using it after 6 years from that date. So if your car seat says do not use after sertain date,if you call Evenflo they will tell you just that. SOme car seats have 10 year "life span" but most 6 years. I know plenty people who are using OLD car seats, but I'd rather be safe tha sorry.
PS now it is also reccomended to keep kids rear facing till they are 2
The Evenflo car seats aren't expensive to begin with. Save your money and spring for a new one before the old one expires. Better yet, save and buy a Graco Nautilus. It has a 5 point harness that goes up to 100 lbs and can convert to a backless boaster seat. The run about $200 and they'll be the only one you'll ever need.
This coming from a home with 2 kids who have about $1600 worth of car seats between them. I believed that any expense was worth protecting my kids in an accident.
Car seats do have expiration dates! They say a car seat more than 5 years old should not be used. I am not sure exactly why they have selected this number, it could be the plain wear and tear after 5 years of use. You should also replace a car seat if it was installed in your car during an accident.
I know plenty of people that continue to use car seats after there expiration date and I have one friend that kept the same car seat after a minor accident. BUT it is not MY recommendation to do that. My husband and I believe that we absolutely cannot put a price on our children's safety, therefore we abide by the car seats regulations and dates!
Hope this helps!
A. Hasenstab
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