When Should I Replace My Infant Car Seat?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), car accidents kill or injure thousands of children every year. A rear-facing infant car seat gives your child as much protection as possible, but only if it is safe to use. Considering such factors as weight limits and the age and condition of the car seat will help you determine when you need a new one to ensure your child's safety.

  1. Age of Car Seat

    • If you are planning to put your new baby in the infant car seat you used with your first child, look for the manufacturing date on the car seat label. Car seats more than 6 years old are not considered safe for use, because safety standards regarding performance change often. Also, improvements are frequently made that will offer your child better protection. Additionally, replacement parts for older seats may no longer be available from the manufacturer.

    Accidents

    • Replace your infant car seat after a moderate to severe car accident, even if you do not see any signs of damage. If you were able to drive away after the crash and the accident did not cause injuries, damage to the car or car seat, and air bag deployment, then you can continue to use the car seat, according to the AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

    Recalls

    • Do not continue to use an infant car seat that has been recalled. Look for the model number on the label, and contact the manufacturer or call the NHTSA hot line at (888) 327-4236 to find out whether your car seat is on the list of recalls.

    Child's Age and Weight

    • You can safely place your child in a forward-facing car seat when he is 12 months old and weighs at least 20 lb., although the AAP advises parents to keep children in rear-facing infant car seats as long as possible. Check the labels on your infant car seat for its weight limit, and stop using it if your child has exceeded the limit. Some convertible car seats can hold your child in the rear-facing position until he is 35 lb.

    Used Car Seats

    • If you are replacing an infant car seat with a used one, make sure you know its history. You will need to find out whether it has been in any accidents, its age and whether it has been recalled. Make sure no parts are missing, and check for signs of damage, such as cracks. Its instruction booklet should also be available, although these can sometimes be ordered or downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

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