STOP SELLING USED CAR SEATS - $1 (Anywhere)
Date: 2012-04-27, 2:05PM CDT
Reply to:
j6bd2-2982818472@sale.craigslist.org
I know it's disheartening to spend $200 + on something and not make any money back by reselling it, but I cannot believe the amount of ancient and expired car seats being offered for sale.
Car seats ALL have expiry dates (yes, even Britax seats. *gasp*) Most car seats expire after 6 years. Older Peg Peregos are only 5 years. I've attached a quick reference seat to help you determine if your seat is expired, but the easiest way to know is to look on your car seat for a sticker specifying the expiry date OR the date of manufacture.
Car seats past their expiry will not function properly in an accident. The primary components of car seats are plastic, and plastic is not meant to hold its structural integrity forever. The hot and cold cycles each year wear it down, and even though you can't *see* it the seat is eventually compromised. Crash test data done to observe how expired car seats functioned in accidents clearly demonstrated that the expired seats essentially collapsed and failed the restrain the child (crash test dummy) in the collision.
In many states it's illegal to sell an expired car seat. In Canada, you can even be held responsible for damages incurred from an expired car seat that you sold. While in NY there are no specific laws forbidding it (except for those that apply to retail establishments) it's extremely unethical to knowingly sell someone an expired seat that is intended to protect that child's life.
ALSO: Car seat straps are not supposed to be washed. Read your car seat manual's instructions. Almost all manufacturers warn not to submerge the straps in water, but to gently handwash with a damp washcloth. They cannot be submerged in water and certainly can't go in the washing machine (or dryer) and the straps can literally burst during a collision if they're been improperly washed. Please be sure you are not reselling a car seat with compromised straps.
Remember people: Unlike strollers and toys are swings, car seats have to save our children's lives. They are the most important investment we as parents make during those early years to protect our children. PLEAES take the time to read your manual, and don't purchase a second hand car seat from someone unless you trust them with your child's life.
Here is a general reference seat. It's important to know your OWN car seat and read your manual and be familiar with its lifespan. Especially if you plan on selling it to someone else.
Baby Trend
6 years from date of manufacture
Britax
6 years from date of manufacture with the exception of the Frontier, which is 9 years from the date of manufacture
ALL seats with these model names are expired: Advantage, Bodyguard, Cruiser, Expressway, Freeway, Galaxy, Handle With Care, Husky, King, Laptop, Roadster, Starriser, Super Elite, Wizard.
Century
ALL century car seats in existence are expired. They were last made in 2002. Not only are all of these seats expired, but they are not remotely up to date with current safety standards.
NOTE: Graco will begin production of new Century car seats later this year. Some are already in production in Canada.
Chicco
6 years from the date of manufacture
Clek
7 years from the date of manufacture
Combi
7 years from the date of manufacture
Dorel Juvenile Group
(Cosco, Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer, Maxi-Cosi)
6 years from the date of manufacture
3-in-1 seats are 8 years from the date of manufacture
Evenflo
6 years from the date of manufacture
Graco
6 years from the date of manufacture with the exception of the Nautilus IN LBB MODE ONLY, which is 9 years
(Most Graco seats expire in Dec of the 6th year)
Harmony
6 years from the date of manufacture
Learning Curve
(The First Years, Compass)
7 years from the date of manufacture
Orbit Baby
7 years from the date of manufacture
Peg-Perego
5 years from the date of manufacture
( some sources state that seats manufactured in 2011 or later expire 7 years from the date of manufacture - this is unconfirmed, since Peg Perego seems to disagree)
RECARO
6 years from the date of manufacture
Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products (now Diono)
Radians -- 8 years after the date of manufacture
Monterey -- 6 years after the date of manufacture
Location: Rochester
