Do car seat bases expire? Expert advice on child’s safety
By: evelyn parkar * Updated 23 March 2024
Yes, like every baby product, the car seat’s base also has an expiry date. Most car seat bases have an expiration date of 6-8 years. But here, one thing needs to be kept in mind: The car seat’s expiration date will be seen from when it was made rather than when we bought it from the market.
While parenthood brings joy to our lives, it also brings responsibilities. And as parents, we gladly fulfill these responsibilities. Meet safety standards, whether a food item or a car seat base.
In this article, you will read when and how car seat bases expire.
So, let’s get started!
What is a car seat base?
Before knowing why car seat bases expire, all parents need to know what car seat bases are.
It is made of plastic and attached to the bottom of the car seat with straps to keep the little kid safe.
Is a car seat base necessary?
The car seat base is specially designed so that in case of any accident, it helps protect the child from being hit by the rear of the car and getting injured; in that sense, it is necessary.
Important note
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the car seat base is good for only 6 to 8 years.
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Reasons for car seat bases expiration.
Some important reasons for car seat base expiry can be taken into consideration to avoid any damage.
- Decadence
One of the reasons for the base of the car seat is its deterioration, which happens with time.so we should keep checking the base from time to time to see if it is in its proper condition. If there is even the slightest doubt, we have to replace it immediately because the safety of our children is more important to us than anything else.
- Poor installation
Another reason for a car seat base to expire is because it is not installed properly. If you feel that the base of the car seat does not fit in place, then in such a situation, you should not put your child in it.
If you want to keep your car seat base working longer, you need to learn how to install the car seat correctly, and with a couple of practice sessions, you will be able to do it quickly and fit it.
- Environment
The reason for the wear and tear of the base of the car seat is the effect of the environment on it. Sunlight, heat, and dust are all factors that affect its strength.
Car seat base replacement
When any product is used, it expires one day or the other. Like a sportsman’s shoes that he uses a lot, after a time, they do not protect his feet adequately, and they are worn out.
Even the base of a car seat that is used continuously should be replaced.
FAQs
Is a car seat base necessary?
People have their own opinions on whether a car seat base is necessary, but in my experience, it is needed, especially for the safety of small children.
The best advantage is the protection from the most terrible damage in case of shock.
Can any car seat fit any base?
Only some car seats fit in every base.
At the time of purchase, check whether it fits well in the size and model of your car seat.
How do you find the expiration date of the car seat base?
The date of the car seat base varies depending on the manufacturer, which is written on its label to indicate when it was made and when it expires.
Generally, this date is 6 to 8 years.
Is it illegal to use an expired car seat base?
It is not illegal to use an expired car seat base, nor is there any law in any country that has any penalty or fine. But caution is necessary so that the child is not harmed.
Conclusion
like everything used by humans, the car seat base also expires.
Although care seat bases are solid and made for long-term use, they must be kept in mind that one day or another, they pass due to vandalism.
And changing them is better for our kiddo!