Car Seats

[visitor2]

How long would you use the same car seat for or are you meant to change them after so many years ?

The one Eleanor is in I've used for all 3 so i have had it 4years now but want to get a new one but DH says no as there is nothing wrong with it.

I know in the UK you have to change them after 5years and was wondering if it's the same here.

[LisaBear]

michelle, when i was workig inthe baby store i was told that aslong as the seat was not in any accidents and still in very good condition, eg all the straps and things are new still it was ok.. you can get new covers for them if the old one is gettign ratty aswell, i was never told a specific age for the use.. maybe call some of the comapnies eg britax for safe n sound for info... or the australian standards board to see if there are any regualtions.

[Astrolady]

Aust saftey standards are 10 years. So you can keep using the same one for 10 years if there is nothing wrong with it.

Love

[visitor2]

Thanks Lisa and Kathryn.
At least one less thing for me to worry about right now.

[wardygirl]

Kat, where did you find that info on Aust Standards? My g/f is pg and has her car seat from her 12.5yo son. Whenever she's spoken to baby shops about it, they say as long as you trust the use and storage, and know this history of the seat, as long as you're happy it should be fine. Her seat has been only used for her son, and been stored safely inside since he grew out of it. It's never been in an accident so they were planning on using it for their #2.

Maybe she needs to look into it futher.

[Astrolady]

I have always been told they need to be replaced 10 years after date of manufacture (found on side of seat) just doing a quick search you need to contact manufacturer to see how long they recommend their seats to be used for. Some companies only recommend 6 yrs.

Love

[Ozziehoffy]

We just bought a new safe n sound seat and it says it in the instruction book to replace it after 10 years. Part of it is that they do manufacture better seats and use better materials as the years progress. Also, I did look into the cost of replacing the cover and belts/straps of one which was given to us but it was around $200 anyway, so to me that wasn't worth it.

[wardygirl]

Thanks Kat & Cass. I will let her know. It's surprising that baby store staff aren't pushing her to buy a new seat just so they get a sale, although you want them to be doing the right/safe thing at the same time.