We have two Britax Marathon carseats from my 5 year old son (one for each car). This weekend we're installing booster seats for him. When I checked the user guide, it said to discontinue use 6 years from manufacture (Feb 2006). So there is about a year left on that carseat. On the other one I need to check the manufacture date, but I believe it is later - probably there is a year and a half on that one. Neither car seat has been in any kind of accident, even minor. My question is, what to do with these? I'd like to give them away, but I'm not sure who may be interested, and the clock is ticking...they become less useful every day. Any thoughts - perhaps freecycle? I don't want any money for them but would like someone to get some use out of them if possible.
Great suggestions so far. Right after I posted I thought about Freecycle, which I had never used. There is a group based right in my town, so I posted there. I'll also check with the local food pantry. I have thought about folks I know who are expecting, but they are all in the summer. I also checked the second chair, and it was actually manufactured earlier (July 2005), so that one only has about 5 mos left...
You might be able to find a battered women's shelter or a charity that works with women that would greatly appreciate them.
See if there is a social service agency in your town. For example, Centro Las Americas in Worcester has a clothing & equipment pantry for recent immigrants who come with little or nothing. There also used to be a program in Marlboro. They need these items desperately. I'm sure there is something in Natick or Framingham - probably your local food pantry or Family Service office could direct you.
I have been told by nationally licensed car seat technicians to never accept a used car seat. (I'm blessed with four of them in my community.) Just because the date on them is still good doesn't mean that particular model hadn't been recalled (The original owner may have received info on this if they bothered to register but there is no way for subsequent owners to be informed) or was still in code. Things change so quickly with car seats and I have learned that not even all car seats work with all types of vehicles. Also, unless you were getting them from a trusted source, there is no way of knowing if it were in an accident or not. My local freecycle won't allow used car seats to be listed and none of the thrift stores will accept them. I cringe at the thought of throwing them away but it's just not worth chancing it when your childs safety is involved.
Freecycle is an option. Giving them to someone you know could use them, having them out for a yard sale (even if you put free on them), donate them to a local agency like a shelter or good will.
you could also check with your local hospital - they would probably know if any local social workers are needing a car seat for a low income family.
Check with a womens shelter in your area they might have use for them or maybe have an idea of where you can bring them.
