How to Donate Baby Car Seats

Donating a car seat that you no longer use involves more than just locating an organization that accepts these type of donations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should not reuse a car seat that has been involved in a traffic accident. There are a few other precautionary measures you should take to ensure the car seat that you're donating is safe to use. Once these measures are met and you have determined your item is safe to donate, begin contacting organizations.

Instructions

    • 1

      Log on to the NHTSA website to see if your car seat has been recalled. Select the "Child Restraint Recalls" link to view a list of child restraint recalls.

    • 2

      Make sure your car seat has not expired. To view the expiration date, locate the manufacturer's label on the car seat . It can be found on the sides or bottom of the car seat. If an expiration date isn't listed on the car seat, use the manufacture date of the car seat owner's manual. If you don't have the owner's manual, call the manufacturer and ask for it. Some manufacturers allow 10 years of life for their car seats; others suggest you stop using it after six years.

    • 3

      Locate an organization or individuals that accept these donations. Contact your local social services office and ask them to recommend some children-focused agencies that accept donations such as this. FreeCycle is a nonprofit organization that promotes waste reduction by donating items you no longer use. You must be a member to participate. It's free to join, and it has chapters all over the world. Contact a pregnant friend or family member to see if she is interested.

    • 4

      Clean the car seat. Remember who will be using it. Babies have sensitive skin, so use a mild detergent when cleaning it. Don't use any harsh chemicals like bleach on the cloth or other material that will be touching their skin.

    • 5

      Write a note stating "This car seat has never been in a car accident." Attach this note to the car seat when you drop it off. This little gesture adds a little security and confidence about the car seat they've accepted.

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