Every car seat has an expiration date. Over time, materials like plastic and webbing deteriorate due to heat, cold, UV exposure, and general wear and tear, which can affect the seat's ability to protect your child in a crash.
How to Find Your Car Seat's Expiration Date
You can determine your car seat's expiration date using two primary methods:
- Check the Product Serial / Model Label: Look for the white adhesive label located directly on the body or base of the car seat. It will list the Manufacture Date and, on most models, the explicit Expiration Date.
- Check the Stamped Plastic Shell: Most car seat shells have the expiration date or manufacture year molded directly into the plastic on the back or bottom of the seat.
- Refer to Your Instruction Manual: Your manual will state the specific lifespan for your model (typically 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture).
IMPORTANT SAFETY RULE: Always calculate expiration based on the Date of Manufacture, not the date you purchased or opened the box.
Why Do Car Seats Expire?
Car seats expire for several critical safety reasons:
- Material Degradation: Sun exposure and extreme temperature changes inside vehicles cause plastics to become brittle over time.
- Changing Safety Standards: Federal safety regulations and testing protocols continuously improve over time.
- Replacement Parts & Manuals: Older models may no longer have replacement components or updated instructions available.
What to Do If Your Car Seat Is Expired
If your car seat has passed its expiration date:
- Discontinue Use Immediately: Do not use an expired seat, even as a spare or for short trips.
- Do Not Donate or Resell: Never give or sell an expired car seat to another family or thrift store.
- Safely Dispose of the Seat: Cut the harness straps and write "EXPIRED – DO NOT USE" on the plastic frame before placing it in the trash or taking it to a car seat trade-in event.