To be frank, I don't normally recommend buying a used car seat. But, if you have to buy one or you are to receive one from a friend or relative then below are some questions you should ask yourself before using a used car seat for your child. I have to emphasize that you really need to evaluate a used car seat more carefully before using it. As always, your child's safety should be the main concern.
Questions You Should Ask Before Buying a Used Car Seat
1. When is the expiration date of the car seat?
Yes, car seats do expire! You can find the date by looking at the back of the seat where it is usually located. Wear and tear through constant usage can produce cracks on the usually plastic materials of the seat. If the seat has already expired then don't buy.
2. Do you know the history of the car seat?
You got to know the history of the car seat. Has it ever been involved in a crash? with or without a child in the seat? A car seat that's been involved in a crash should never be used again. You have to ask this question to the previous owner. Now, if the seller is somebody you don't know, can you trust him/her to tell the truth? If it is a relative then you can have a little comfort that he/she will tell you the true history of the car seat.
3. Have you checked if there were recalls for the brand/model?
Check first if the particular car seat brand and model was recalled. Sometimes some sellers are either unscrupulous or clueless that the car seat they are selling was recalled. You just have to check the safety agency of your country again to find out this information. You can also look it up on the internet.
4. Does it look worn out and are all parts still intact?
Inspect the seat thoroughly. Check for cracks, chips, cuts, white or gray patches or lines in the shell. If it looks worn out, unclean or you see missing parts then don't buy.
5. Is the brand and model "safe" to use in your country?
Just like in buying a new car seat, you should check with the safety agency in your country if the car seat meets the safety regulation and guidelines they set forth for car seat usage. In Canada, an approved car seat should have a CMVSS (Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) sticker. So, for Canadians, look for this sticker in the car seat. Don't buy if you can't find it.
6. Have you checked the car seat's recommended height and weight for the baby?
Car seats are created for the different stages in the life of a child. All car seats have a guideline as to what the maximum/minimum height and weight are recommended. Make sure that the used car seat can fit your child nicely before you buy it.
The above is just a guideline. A thorough and careful check is needed when you evaluate a used car seat. Visually check the seat for any signs of problem and as always "err on the side of caution". If you find any issues then it's better not to buy it. Saving just a few bucks is not worth it. Safety of the child should be the main priority. You can always cut back on other things.
Monday
A List of Car Seat Don'ts
Every parents want their child to be always safe wherever they may be. In a car, a child is always safer in his/her own car seat. As a guideline, please see a listing of car seat don'ts that I have compiled. Please use the below list only as a guideline and always check with the manual of your own car seat for more specific detail regarding your particular brand/model. Also, consult with your local safety agency for the best and most recent information concerning child safety.
1. DO NOT place a child seat rear-facing in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless deactivated.
This is so important! Don't risk placing your rear facing car seat in the front passenger seat of your car as serious injury and much worst can occur in case of a collision. The back seat is always the safest place for children under 12.
2. DO NOT use a child seat in a forward facing position for children less than one year of age OR weighing less than 20 pounds.
You should use a rear facing infant car seat especially for newborns. A rear facing car seat is a must especially when you take out the infant for the first time from the hospital to your home. At that very delicate moment, the baby still can't support the weight of his/her head. A rear facing car seat placed on the back seat of the car provides the best protection to your little one.
3. DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer if a tether anchorage is not available.
Some older cars may not have tether anchorage and you may own one. Be very careful and consult your vehicle manufacturer before proceeding with any changes.
4. DO NOT take apart or attempt to take apart the harness. Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness. They cannot be reattached after removal. If assembled incorrectly, the child seat may not perform as intended.
Some car seats have easy to use harnesses. Some don't. Try to follow your manufacturer guidelines. As a rule, don't dissemble them as you may not be able to put them back together properly.
5. DO NOT buy a second hand car seat if you don't know its usage history.
Never buy a car seat from a previous owner you don't know. It's a no-no to use a car seat that was involved in a car crash. What is seemingly good looking on the outside might be disintegrating on the inside. You never really know if the seller is saying the truth so why take the chance just to save a few bucks.
Lastly, do not be a "know-it-all". Consult the manual and always double check the installation. If you have doubts or just to be on the safe side have your car seat checked by a car seat technician or the local police or fireman. If a car seat safety clinic is available on your area, go there as well.
Have a safe ride with the kids.
1. DO NOT place a child seat rear-facing in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless deactivated.
This is so important! Don't risk placing your rear facing car seat in the front passenger seat of your car as serious injury and much worst can occur in case of a collision. The back seat is always the safest place for children under 12.
2. DO NOT use a child seat in a forward facing position for children less than one year of age OR weighing less than 20 pounds.
You should use a rear facing infant car seat especially for newborns. A rear facing car seat is a must especially when you take out the infant for the first time from the hospital to your home. At that very delicate moment, the baby still can't support the weight of his/her head. A rear facing car seat placed on the back seat of the car provides the best protection to your little one.
3. DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer if a tether anchorage is not available.
Some older cars may not have tether anchorage and you may own one. Be very careful and consult your vehicle manufacturer before proceeding with any changes.
4. DO NOT take apart or attempt to take apart the harness. Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness. They cannot be reattached after removal. If assembled incorrectly, the child seat may not perform as intended.
Some car seats have easy to use harnesses. Some don't. Try to follow your manufacturer guidelines. As a rule, don't dissemble them as you may not be able to put them back together properly.
5. DO NOT buy a second hand car seat if you don't know its usage history.
Never buy a car seat from a previous owner you don't know. It's a no-no to use a car seat that was involved in a car crash. What is seemingly good looking on the outside might be disintegrating on the inside. You never really know if the seller is saying the truth so why take the chance just to save a few bucks.
Lastly, do not be a "know-it-all". Consult the manual and always double check the installation. If you have doubts or just to be on the safe side have your car seat checked by a car seat technician or the local police or fireman. If a car seat safety clinic is available on your area, go there as well.
Have a safe ride with the kids.
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