What's the correct way to store a carseat?

[grumpybear]

We have a SS1 (DOM 11/05) that we hope to use for a future baby (if it isn't expired yet). How do we store the carseat?
Winter is coming up and would it be ok to store it in our unheated shed? Or would the freezing temperatures compromise the integrity of the shell?
TIA

 

[Elizasmom]

I wouldn't worry about temps in a shed since cars also get very cold (and very, very hot). Seats are made to handle that for 6 years.

However, I would never store a seat in a shed because it will probably get nasty in there. Sheds tend to attract critters, and I am sure a mouse family would be very happy in your car seat (they enjoyed the boots we left in our shed). Not to mention that there could be mold in there or lawn fertilizers falling on it, etc.

The one thing I've often read about storage is to not store heavy items on top of the seat since this could warp the plastic I guess. I'd probably store it in my attic, basement, or a closet. Anywhere but a shed or garage. I'd take the cover off and store that separately if I were to resort to the shed.

 

[Mom to a few]

I asked about that in my CPS course today actually. They said that you shouldn't store a carseat in an attic, basement, garage, etc. not only because of the temperature extremes (making the plastic become more brittle), but they really emphasized the high humidity/moisture in the air could damage the seat--That those storage scenarios were much worse for the seat than if it had been used in a car for all 6 yrs.

Is there any way you could find a closet or somewhere inside where it wouldn't be exposed to temp or humidity extremes?? If so, I'd definitely go that route instead.

 

[singingpond]

We have a SS1 (DOM 11/05) that we hope to use for a future baby (if it isn't expired yet). How do we store the carseat?
TIA

Hmmm... forget it in a corner of the family room until the next baby comes along? That was our (carefully researched ) storage solution with our Snugride. Can you tell we don't have the neatest house, LOL?

Seriously, I would avoid outdoor-type storage, not so much for temperature extremes, but because of mice, and because of humidity/mold/mildew issues. If you really need to get the seat out of your way, into a shed or garage, I would definitely put it in some sort of rodent-proof container (big plastic bin); at least around here, mice would be a major hazard, and I'm sure they would be happy to build nests out of EPS foam as well as out of seat cover fabrics.

Katrin

 

[Christi61315]

I put my infant seat in a plastic storage bin and the seran wrapped it shut to keep out any thing and the air and put in the top of my closet

 

[Starlight]

Car seats definitely need to be stored indoors somewhere, not in an attic, basement, etc. Think climate controlled storage. LOL

A closet is ideal.

 

[mom2riley]

Have a question. My garage and Basement are both climate controlled. The garage is always the perfect temp year round, never extreme either way. And our basement has heating and air even though it is not finished (long story). Do you think that either of these is still acceptable for storing our extra seats?

 

[artemis8]

You might be able to wrap the carseat in a large plastic bag and tie it up. That will prevent exposure to atleast the humidity and any creepy crawly things that might try to make a home out of it were you to store it in some of the non-climate control locations.