Should I still use my older car seat?

[mommyof3]

I recently have had my third child, and was wondering if the infant car seat was safe to use for my new baby. I orginally bought the car seat in early 2002.

[joolsplus3]

Probably it's fine till early 2008 (most seats are 6 years, though there are some exceptions)... do you still have the manual? How about checking for a 'do not use after...' stamp somewhere on the seat? You could call the seat manufacturer with the serial number on hand, and find out if there's been a recall or advisory of any kind on that seat, and ask them about the expiration date while you're at it.
Which seat is it?

[Defrost]

Also, has it ever been in a wreck - any wreck, even if there wasn't a baby in it at the time? Do you still have all the parts (have you removed the harness to clean the cover, etc)?

[melniemi]

Make sure you check for an expiration date. I bought my first infant carseat in July '00 and it was manufactured in Dec '99 - already 7 months old. It is possible that yours is expired if it was manufactured in fall of 2001.

[skaterbabscpst]

Also, if you've washed or ironed the harness, or used chemical clensers on it or the seat shell, that should be replaced.