Car seats have expiration dates?

mamatodrama · Feb 4, 2008

I am pretty new here and have been reading all the posts - I can't believe how much I have learned - I am so grateful to you all

. I have read references to car seats and expiration dates but don't know how to tell if mine is expired. I have baby #2 coming in April and plan on using my Peg infant seat from baby #1. The date on it says it was manufactured on 4/24/03. How do I know if it is expired or when it will?

Also, should I stick with this one or invest in a new model with the better head support and SIP? Money aside, are they safer?

Thank you.

crunchierthanthou · Feb 4, 2008

It's generally around 6 years, but some older seats are only 5. Do you still have your manual? It should say in there. Otherwise, I would call Peg tomorrow.

Other things to consider-

has it ever been in a crash? Have you ever submerged the harness straps?

If yes to either, it needs replaced (or at the very least the harness straps do if it was only yes to the latter).

CRS · Feb 4, 2008

There's some more information here:
http://www.childrestraintsafety.com/manufacture-expiration.html
http://www.gracobaby.com/customerservice/faq_category.aspx?catID=1#144
http://babyproducts.about.com/b/2006/07/12/reader-question-do-car-seats-expire.htm
http://www99.epinions.com/content_4753956996

You may also want to check for recalls:
http://www.carseat.org/Recalls/recall.shtml

Video:
http://childrestraintsafety.com/dow...Child_Facing_Forwards_ten_years_old_seat.mpeg (this is of a 10 yr old seat)

What vehicle do you have? What is your budget?

I think you said you had a Peg Perego infant seat - is that right? If so I believe they have a five year "life" from date of manufacture

Therefore it may expire this year.

minismom · Feb 4, 2008

mamatodrama said:
Also, should I stick with this one or invest in a new model with the better head support and SIP? Money aside, are they safer?

If your Peg won't have expired, hasn't been in an accident, hasn't been recalled and you haven't cleaned the harness with harsh cleaning products or submerged it in water, then it's safe!

But if it will expire while your new baby could use a carrier, or for any other reason you'd LIKE to replace it, then there are other seats that we usually recommend more over a Peg, specially the older models Peg.

The older Pegs cannot be installed without the base (which is a great feature to use in friend's cars, taxis, airplanes etc), you can't have the handle up while driving (and the handle down takes up more space front to back), it only goes to 22lbs (I believe) and the base doesn't have lock offs to make instalation way easier.

So, you have a reason to replace or if money isn't an issue and you just want to get a newer seat with new feature than I'd recommend the Graco SS1 or the Chicco Keyfit. Both cost a lot less than a new Peg btw.

Welcome to the boards!

carseatcoach · Feb 5, 2008

Check your manual, but I am fairly certain that Peg Perego seats expire after five years, which means that your seat will be expired as of 04/24/2008, so you won't get much use out if it if you are due in April 2008.

mamatodrama · Feb 5, 2008

Thank you so much for the input. The Peg I have does in fact expire 2 days after I am supposed to give birth! What an amazing discovery and service this site offers! I don't have the manual so I would not have thought about it. All I knew to be sure of was that it was not in an accident. I just added the GSSI to my registry and am feeling very good about that. Thank you for that suggestion.

Now, I just have to decide whether to keep the Regent I just bought on sale at Target for my 4 year old or wait for the Frontier but that is for another thread....... just when I thought I had that issue solved! At least I have the infant seat dilemma settled. I am so grateful.

CRS · Feb 5, 2008

That's awesome that you've learnt something new. Stick around - for you're surely going to learn more around here - Welcome btw!

azgirl71 · Feb 5, 2008

CRS said:
That's awesome that you've learnt something new. Stick around - for you're surely going to learn more around here - Welcome btw!

:yeahthat:!

Car seats have expiration dates?

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