how long are infant car seats good for

As a new or expecting parent, you’re surrounded by a world of baby gear, and the car seat is arguably the most important purchase for your little one’s safety. You carefully choose the perfect model, but have you ever wondered about its lifespan? It’s a common question that goes beyond just outgrowing the size. Knowing how long are infant car seats good for is a crucial part of keeping your child protected on every journey.

Unlike a favorite stuffed animal, a car seat isn’t meant to last forever. Its materials and components have a finite period of peak performance, designed to withstand the stresses of daily use and, most importantly, a potential crash.

The Two Key Timelines for Your Car Seat

There are two primary ways an infant car seat expires: by age and by size. The expiration date is set by the manufacturer, typically between 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. You can find this date on a sticker on the seat itself. This limit exists because plastics can become brittle and other materials may degrade over time, compromising the seat’s integrity in a crash.

Simultaneously, your baby will outgrow the seat by size. An infant seat is outgrown when your child’s head is within an inch of the top of the shell or when they reach the maximum weight or height limit listed in the manual, which usually comes first.

Why Do Car Seats Have an Expiration Date?

It might seem like a marketing ploy, but expiration dates are all about safety. Plastics are exposed to extreme temperature changes in your car, which can cause them to weaken and become less effective at absorbing crash forces over the years. Safety standards are also constantly evolving, so an expiration date ensures seats are replaced with newer, potentially safer models.

Finding Your Seat’s Expiration Date

Locating this information is simple. Check for a white sticker with the model number and manufacturing date, often on the bottom or back of the plastic shell. The expiration date might be listed directly, or you may need to add the seat’s lifespan (e.g., 7 years) to the manufacture date. Always refer to your specific manual for the most accurate information.

What to Do With an Expired Car Seat

Once a seat has expired, it should not be used, sold, or donated. The safest practice is to make it unusable. Take it apart, cut the harness straps, and write “EXPIRED” or “UNSAFE” on the shell with a permanent marker. This prevents anyone from using it. Then, check with your local waste management about recycling options for the plastic and metal components.

Keeping track of your car seat’s lifespan is a simple yet powerful step in your child’s safety routine. By being mindful of both the expiration date and your baby’s growth, you can ensure every ride is as secure as possible.