I have a couple of car seats i don't need anymore. They are older, but work. Does anyone know of a place i can donate them to? I don't think once upon a child and goodwill will take them?
The Once Upon A Child location in Spring Lake takes them. I don't know how old they will take though. You can call them.
According to the Mendota Heights, MN police department you need to dispose of carseats that are 5 or more years older. They do not meet the most current safety regulations. There is no way for parents to know if a used seat has been involved in an accident either.
Unique Thrift stores sell used carseats. They have a location in New Hope, St.Paul, Burnsvile, and Columbia Heights! I think it's great for lower income families or grandparents that need a seat and don't have the money to purchase brand new. Also they just changed the recommendations on used carseats and they say now that it is ok to use a carseat in a accident under specific guidlines.
1. you can drive away from the accident
2. the carseat was not located next to a door that got damaged in a accident
3. there is no visual damage to the carseat
That is the "New" recommendations they had just changed. Before they use to say never use any carseat in any accident but realized that minor accidents don't cause any damage to a carseat. Like When I was rearended at a stop light I needed a new bumper not a big deal and our carseat was fine. On the other hand my friend's car was rearended she couldn't drive away from the scene and there was actual damage to her daughter's seat. I think with good common sense seats can be reused. I'm betting a pregnancy crisis center would take them also or a battered woman's shelter.Once Upon a Child in St.Louis Park will buy carseats used if they're in good condition and will sell.
How old are they? It is illegal to use a metal carseat that is over 10 years old or a plastic one that is over 6 years old. They get weaker, and are not safe in an accident anymore after that. There should be a date on the carseat. That is why those places won't take them. It is also not safe to use a carseat that has ever been in an accident cause they are not made to go through more than one, and once upon a child doesn't want the liability of selling one that has been. If they are still safe to use, there is a thrift store in burnsville called Unique that has tons of carseats... even really old ones, and I know they would take them. It is near the Burnsville Center.
What kind are they? I am looking for one that could hold up to either 40 or 60 lbs. Let me know.
