Opinions about using a used seat

OddOneOut · Oct 30, 2010

We are expecting our third baby in March. When we were over at my Mom's house yesterday I noticed an infant seat sitting in her garage. I asked about it and she said she had bought it at a consignment sale to use to pick up our baby from daycare. She will be doing this once a week and daycare is an in home daycare about two blocks from our house.

I immediately went into a "no used seat that I don't know the history of for my baby" speech. She argued that she would only be going a few blocks and I was overreacting. DH initially backed me up, but then I just ended up being the crazy carseat lady who spends too much time online.

I know I am right, but now I am just second guessing myself because I feel bad. I know my mom was just trying to help out. The seat is a Graco Snugride with a manufacture date of 2008 and it looks like it is in great condition- but I know nothing about whether it was in an accident or not. I mean, probably not, but I just don't know.

I guess this is sort of a vent... but I do want to know...I am doing the right thing right?

BookMama · Oct 30, 2010

You're doing the right thing. :thumbsup: It's not appropriate to use a seat with an unknown history.

Maybe you could buy a Scenera (around $45) for your mom to use when she has the baby? Or maybe an extra base for your infant seat?

skylinphoto · Oct 30, 2010

You're doing the right thing.

The 'what if's are too great. What if it was in an accident? What if the previous owner washed the straps? What if it was dropped? What if the previous owner checked it on a flight and it was tossed around?

andre149 · Oct 30, 2010

You are absolutely doing the right thing! Even if it wasn't in an accident the old owner could have washed the straps, installed it wrong, etc. to put stress on the seat. I would either buy her a cheap convertible or an extra base for your infant seat and leave the seat with the baby. If your family gives you a hard time for it simply say "I am not willing to allow my child to be a crash test dummy, and you do not know the history of that seat so in using it you are effectively doing so"... but maybe in nicer words

OddOneOut · Oct 30, 2010

Thanks for the replies. I had suggested that my mom buy a cheap Scenera at Walmart, but obviously she decided not to. It doesn't make much sense since the Scenera would last the baby at least 3-4 years and the infant seat would only last around year.

Oh well, I guess I will have to pick one up for her.

carseatcoach · Oct 30, 2010

I do agree that if you want a say in what seat your mother uses (which I think you should!), you need to pay for the seat.

babyherder · Oct 30, 2010

Its hard when someone tries to help you and you have to tell them you can't use what they got. But you're doing the right thing and your mom will get over it.

Opinions about using a used seat

OddOneOut

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BookMama

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skylinphoto

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andre149

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OddOneOut

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