replacing a car seat?

Can you please tell me what the rule of thumb is for what to do with your car seat if your car was in an accident? Replace? And is there a link stating this info and supporting it? My friend was asking me...and I know I read it somewhere that you should replace the car seat if your car is in an accident. Just can't find the support to give her.

Thanks!
-Lynda

...that any carseat involved in a crash should be replaced. Many insurance companies will pay, and some are required to pay by law in certain states.

The best resource is probably to call the manufacturer of the carseat for their opinion.

Q27 in the FAQ link under the top banner addresses this topic briefly.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says this:

"What if my car safety seat was in a crash?

A seat that was in a crash may have been weakened and should not be used even if it looks fine. Call the car seat manufacturer if you have questions about the safety of your seat."

See the right sidebar at this link:

www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm


Also see the thread titled "What if" just below this one.