Car Capsule???

[~Belinda~]

Whoaaa....$500! I'm currently looking on ebay and there are a few second hand ones. Thanks for your advice though girls, you've been a great help! Kim, I noticed in your pic there of your little one, I have the same play gym for Madeleine!! I got it as a gift though so unsure where you bought yours from!

[Schmickers]

The problem with second hand capsules or car seats is that you have no real way of verifying their history. If they have been in an accident - even a minor one - and have not been inspected, they may not be safe.

I would definitely recommend buying new. Shop around while you have the other one on hire, try and find one on sale if money is too tight, but any capsule that meets or exceeds safety standards should be fine.

[~Belinda~]

Thanks Michael, I will definately shop around and let my DP know about the risk associated with buying second hand. I wasn't aware of that. Money is not tight, that's not my worry, I just love a bargain. But a bargain is not good if your child's health is in danger with a car seat that has been in an accident.

[~Trish~]

Hi Bindy, I'm a licensed second hand dealer (I have a pre-loved baby goods business) and I sell second hand car seats, I am not telling you this to sell you one, just to give you some advice!

Things to look for in a safe second hand car seat if you choose to buy one:

* Make sure the car seat is less than 10 years old, any older and it no longer meets the Australian standards.
* Look at the plastic frame, the plastic is designed to show stress lines if the car seat has been involved in an accident. It will go white (like white lines) if it has had some stress.
* Make sure the safety harness and all other straps are free from fraying.
* Make sure the car seat looks sturdy in general.

HTH

[~Belinda~]

Thanks so much Trish! I will do that! You're the best...