Car Seat Safety Check???

[LisaC]

Just wondering if anyone knows if there is anywhere you can take a car seat to get a safety check?? We got a car seat given to us from my mums friend, it looks like its in good condition, but not sure if its been in any accidents...

Thanks

[~Trish~]

I'm not sure if there's anywhere that you can take it, maybe try contacting the NRMA or RACV (or equivalent in your state)?

I sell pre-loved car seats and check the following things (after asking the previous owner if it has been in an accident of course):

* Look at the back of the car seat and check the plastic. If you see white lines/creases, this is a sign that the car seat has been under stress (accident). The plastic is designed to do this to make it obvious if the car seat has been damaged.
* Check that all the straps and harness are free from fraying.
* Check that the car seat is structurally sound (make sure parts don't appear to be loose, etc.).
* Check the year of manufacture. Car seats older than 10 years old no longer meet the Australian standards and I personally wouldn't use one. Most car seats have a sticker with the date of manufacture on it.

HTH

[SammyRo]

My parents bought a second hand car seat, and just took it to one of the Australian Red Cross Safety Stores (don't know if these are nation-wide). They also fitted it - cost was $20 i think.

[LisaC]

Thanks.. a few good tips there.. Chair seems to be in good order.. might make a call to the RTA.

I looked up Australian Red Cross safety and that only seems to be in S.A.

Thanks heaps