too old

[Unregistered]

when is a car seat too old to use? my ex- wife is using a car seat that is 6 to 7 yrs old

[UlrikeDG]

Seats older than 10 years old should not be used. Individual manufacturers set up their own expiration dates which are usually 5-8 years from the date of manufacture. (Fisher Price says 8 years, while just about everyone else says 6 years.)

See also:
How old is too old for a safety seat? (http://www.carseat.org/Resources/FAQs.htm#age)
Expiration date (http://www.carseat.org/Technical/tech_update.htm#expdate)
Q25: How many years can I use my carseat? (http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html#Q25)

[Unregistered]

We have a HUGE consignment sale here in town & while I don't condone purchasing used carseats & have discussed with the manager of the sale the danger of selling them...they still do & they don't take seats older than 6 years.
If you are worried about it, I would suggest buying one for your child(ren) to use if you don't think your ex is taking their safety seriously & she own't replace it on her own!
Good luck!
Erin

[papooses]

You could always buy your child a new one for his/her birthday ... perhaps explaining to mom that the older seat would be better for the grandparents to hold on to [*if* she is unwilling to let it go].
My ex drives a 1980s Nissan Pulsar & wanted to use an expired shield booster in the back seat ... I had to forgo a couple other purchases for myself, but bought another Wizard for her to use in his car! I told him his mom could keep the shield booster in her car, although since she threw it out she isn't allowed to drive my daughter anywhere :rolleyes:
Thankfully he was receptive to & understanding of my reasoning!