There are many products we buy that require us to keep our child’s safety in mind; but none more so than a car seat. The process of finding the best car seat for your car can be overwhelming. It can also be one of the more expensive purchases we make. It’s tempting to search for a second-hand car seat at a thrift store, consignment shop or online; but both the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend caution about using a second-hand car seat. The CPSC has found that many of these places sell hazardous children’s products that have been recalled.
The AAP provides additional guidelines (also found here):
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Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history.
Unfortunately, unless you are buying or borrowing the car seat from a friend or family member, you probably will not know the seat’s history.
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Never use a car seat that:
- Is too old! Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long it recommends using the seat. Read here about why we don’t recommend using an expired car seat.
- Has any visible cracks on it.
- Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
- Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat.
- Is missing parts. Used car seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
- Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888.327.4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site at www.safercar.gov or search for recalls at www.cpsc.gov.
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Do not use seats that have been in a moderate or severe crash.
Seats that were in a minor crash may still be safe to use, but some car seat manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any crash, even a minor one. The NHTSA considers a crash minor if all of the following are true:
- The vehicle could be driven away from the crash.
- The vehicle door closest to the car seat was not damaged.
- No one in the vehicle was injured.
- The air bags did not go off.
- You can’t see any damage to the car seat.
- If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat. See this website for manufacturer contact information.
These guidelines are in place to help you make the safest decision and purchase.
If you have a car seat that you’d like to trade in for a safer one, we have some options!
Between April 3 and April 13, 2013, you can save $50 on a new car seat by Chicco, Clek, Diono, Maxi Cosi or Peg Perego at Isis Parenting when you bring in your old car seat for an upgrade.
Valid in-stores only. Valid on Special Orders (excluding Chicco NextFit and UPPAbaby MESA). Not to be combined with other offers.
Teresa Stewart, MS, MPH
Program Manager: Safety and Wellness
