Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Is there a reputable website (like a .gov site) that states that car seats DO expire?

My parents bought a Costco car seat at a yard sale that looks to be at least 10 years old (DS is never riding in that!). They don't believe me that car seats expire- they think its a marketing ploy.

I tried a google search but can you help me find a reputable website, like from the AAP or a .gov site that states that this is a real thing? Thx!!

Ed: does anyone know if its a law or just a strong recommendation? Thx!!

Message edited 10/19/2013 1:37:55 PM.

Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wvCRz7BRAM0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DwvCRz7BRAM0

You tube video showing the straps ripping out of an expired seat during a crash test

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Car Seats DO EXPIRE. Call the car seat manufacturer, give them the model number and date. They will tell you.

If there is no label to give you the information then the seat should not be used.

The long and short of it, why go on the cheap for the safety of a child. With the exception of new seats, all seats expire within 5 to 6 tears years of the manufacture date. You can cite to your parents that the Director of Nassau County Traffic Safety told you so. If they have any questions, have them call me direct. 516-571-7021

Can you parents vouch for the history of the seat? Can they say with certainty it is safe? Just to get that seat out of circulation I will get them a new one.

You can also use these links:

http://baby.about.com/od/healthandsafety/f/car_seat_expiration.htm

http://blog.gracobaby.com/2010/02/11/car-seats-have-expiration-dates-too/

http://blog.isisparenting.com/why-do-car-seats-expire/

http://www.britaxusa.com/support/faq/car-seat-basics

Message edited 10/19/2013 5:34:13 PM.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Omg! I could've written this post myself! My parents did the EXACT same thing! The bought a car seat from a garage sale that was from 2002. My mom actually got mad at me when I told her that my daughter was not going in it. They didn't believe me either about the car seat expiring. I just gave up trying to convince them and DH and I bought a second base for their car instead.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Can't you try to explain to them that the reason for the expiration is that the plastic that the seat is made of is constantly exposed to extreme heat and cold from being in the car all the time, and that eventually compromises the integrity of the plastic? Surely, they have seen plastic crack or bend from exposure to extreme temperatures over a period of time. That is what I had to explain to make my DH understand too. Then it was like a lightbulb went off for him. That made sense to him. To just tell him that it "expired" also sounded like a marketing ploy.

Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

And the bigger issue is that they dont trust your jugement. And are so stubborn. My parents tend to do this to me about health issues, but when it comes to my dd they dont question me.
I would tell then very sternly your sorry they spent the money on the seat without knowing but your ds is not going in it. Period. You will not allow itif they want your child in their car you will pick one out that is reasonably priced for them to purchase or offer to pay for it.

Your his mother and they should trust you. Ask them why would i lie about this? Its not a marketing ploy and my ds is not going in it. Thats it. No discussion.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

I am very saddened by this whole string of comments. We are willing to buy toys and clothes the babies will never wear or play with. If you do not believe me - look in your drawers and closets when you children turn 2 and see all the items that still have tags on them.

We are willing to pay for features and gadgets, but when it comes to safety we do not want to spend the money.

Car seats are the one thing children use for up to 8 years of their lives. So why not but a new seat for that period of time.

The facts are seats expire. Plastics break down. You do not think of this but every sudden stop is like a mini accident to the seat. stress, sunlight, and daily use break down the seat.

This is my job and even my father in law gave me a hard time on seats. My response was simply these are my kids and they will not go in your car unless properly restrained. Good luck to you.

Oh and my offer to provide a new seat stands.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

I thought Graco themselves even had a 5 year expiration advertisement. I think you are supposed to get a new one every 5 years, but I could be wrong. There must be some place written to show them or call Graco's hotline and ask about it. Especially if it was already used. How do they know it has never been in a car accident? Every manual says, once it has been used in an accident you need to get a new one.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Thanks for all the responses. I have let them know several times, as well as sending them websites that state that carseats DO expire.

Today I get the following email from them:

"the car seat we have is 10 years old but you can't see how any of it has lost it's integrity or safety factors."

It's like I'm speaking another language.
The next step is me putting my foot down

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

I would just reply with, If you are willing to take a chance on the well being and safety of another child that your choice.. but im sorry I will not allow my child to be part of it. Id would rather spend some extra money to guarantee the well being of my child that have to worry every time they are in my car. If this is something you can not agree on I will not allow my child to ride in your car.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

I dont mean to overstep my boundaries when I say this...if my parents ever fought me on THIS topic, they would NEVER be allowed to be alone with my DC anywhere b/c I would NOT trust their judgement. Especially if I have EDUCATED them and they still gave me a hard time. I honestly think toooo many parents are just too old and stubborn to watch their grandchildren SAFELY. That's JMO, and my parents and ILs are included in that. That's why I never would allow my DC to drive with ANY of them, and I limit babysitting by them as well. They just are too set in their ways and think they know it all, and it's a hazard to MY child IMO.

Message edited 10/20/2013 5:38:00 PM.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Sounds like you are pretty much talking to a wall, just buy a new one give it to them and take the other one and throw it out. Basically "agree to disagree" but still get your way. Don't even discuss it anymore.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Posted by NASP09

Thanks for all the responses. I have let them know several times, as well as sending them websites that state that carseats DO expire.

Today I get the following email from them:

"the car seat we have is 10 years old but you can't see how any of it has lost it's integrity or safety factors."

It's like I'm speaking another language.
The next step is me putting my foot down

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Posted by NASP09

Thanks for all the responses. I have let them know several times, as well as sending them websites that state that carseats DO expire.

Today I get the following email from them:

"the car seat we have is 10 years old but you can't see how any of it has lost it's integrity or safety factors."

It's like I'm speaking another language.
The next step is me putting my foot down

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Posted by neener1211

Posted by NASP09

Thanks for all the responses. I have let them know several times, as well as sending them websites that state that carseats DO expire.

Today I get the following email from them:

"the car seat we have is 10 years old but you can't see how any of it has lost it's integrity or safety factors."

It's like I'm speaking another language.
The next step is me putting my foot down

Not any ill-will towards you, but this wouldn't even be a discussion.

"Our child will not be riding in that car seat, we will buy one for you." And then promptly take a scissor to all of the straps. End of story.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Posted by Mrs213

Posted by neener1211

Posted by NASP09

Thanks for all the responses. I have let them know several times, as well as sending them websites that state that carseats DO expire.

Today I get the following email from them:

"the car seat we have is 10 years old but you can't see how any of it has lost it's integrity or safety factors."

It's like I'm speaking another language.
The next step is me putting my foot down

Not any ill-will towards you, but this wouldn't even be a discussion.

"Our child will not be riding in that car seat, we will buy one for you." And then promptly take a scissor to all of the straps. End of story.

I bet you if they call the car seat manufacturer they will tell them cut the straps

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Oh they do not babysit or watch my child without me or Dh home. This is just the latest of several concerning practices they have (including not seeing the need for baby gates at the top of their stairs, thinking I was frivolous for not taking a hand me down drop side crib). I hate to say this but they have no clue. Also this is my dad and step mom. They didn't raise me and they haven't been around an infant or toddler ever.
I decided pretty quickly that they will NOT ever babysit alone.
They really have no reason for even having a car seat but this is their latest thing they have gotten excited over .

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

its not just the expiration - If they bought it at a garage sale - they don't know if its been in an accident before and that would compromise the safety of the seat. If a car seat is in an accident you cant use it again. This is why its recommended to never get a used car seat - you cant possible know for sure if it was ever in am accident.

As for the grandparents - what I told my parents in these situations was "I cant believe you would take a chance with DC life - im wondering if you don't have good judgement as grandparents". as soon as my Mom thinks that I might limit the time she can spend with her grandkids - she goes right along with whatever I want.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

this is Michigan - not sure if NY is the same but I think the law always pretty much says the seat has to be used in accordance with manufacturers instructions (which is to not use the seat when it expires)

Ticket for expired car seat

Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

I agree with the previous poster - its not only about the expiration of the seat but they bought it from a garage sale from complete strangers!!! WHo knows if it was in an accident or something.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents

Of course they don't understand, when we were growing up, they folded the back seats down so we could do flips in the back seat of my grandparents station wagon after we took turns driving on their laps
But seriously, I know this is something that we need to make sure our parents &/or care takers are on the same page with.
They may see it as crazy but they need to look at the facts.
This is one of the most important things when it comes to the safety of our children.

Re: Car seat expiration- pls help me convince grandparents