Car Seat - Important Question - Please Help

[UntoldAngel]

Would you use a child restraint that is older than 10 years? You know the history of the seat; it shows no signs of distress; the harness buckle is in good working order; all straps including tether strap have no fraying.

The seat was manufactured in 2000 and carries the AS/NZS 1754 sticker (which from what I can find on the internet is still acceptable). We only intend to use this seat in DH's car as a back up i.e. if we have to run his car instead of the main car. However, I know it is recommended that seats older than 10 years not be used, but below is the only information I can find on why. It is from the RACT website.

It is not recommended that a child restraint be used after ten years of age because:
Restraints older than ten years cannot be guaranteed to perform as they were originally intended; and
The Australian Standards have been improved significantly since 1991 and were updated in 1995, 2000 and 2004. Older restraints will not meet new improved design features.

Can anything ever be given a 100% guarantee? Apart from anti-submarining and AHR, are there any other major 'design' features that would seriously make you consider not using a seat, given they aren't standard to all seats even now?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated

[RhiChiChi]

No, I wouldn't. I know my mum tried to get an older seat (maybe 5 years old) installed and the installer wouldn't do it b/c it didn't comply with Australian Safety Standards.

[melbel]

No Iwouldn't. The plastic shell becomes brittle with age and may crack under pressure and also the webbing on the straps deteriorates both through the UV exposure they get in the cars. You can't see either of these weaknesses, they will only become apparent if you have a crash and they fail......so no not worth the risk in my opinion.

[sneakysparkle]

Knowing the history of the seat, and it being made in 2000 - I think I would. Especially if its only being used occasionally. But thats me.
If it was given to me with unknown history - I would say no.

[Taurean]

I wouldn't for the reasons Melbel has given and also the fact I'd never forgive myself if we did have an accident and the seat didn't cope. I personally couldn't live with myself, would constantly be questioning if it was the age of the seat that caused issues IYKWIM

[nickle730]

I wouldn't use it. I would be concerned that the materials used to make the seat have fatigued with age and, although they might look ok, the would not withstand the force of an accident.

[AwesomeFoursome]

No I wouldn't, not worth the risk. You can get a car seat for around $150 on sale.

[Heaven]

No, I wouldn't risk it.

[Enchanted]

I wouldn't. Car seats are something I HAVE to buy brand new. DH would say yes to your question but I myself couldn't risk it.

[beansbeans!]

No, I wouldn't. I know my mum tried to get an older seat (maybe 5 years old) installed and the installer wouldn't do it b/c it didn't comply with Australian Safety Standards.

That kinda of scares me because we plan on using the same carseat that both DD used when they were born, making the seat just over 4yrs old now. We didnt even second guess using it, but now you have me thinking...

Honestly I would get the seat checked over, then if its fine then I would use it. Especially if it still meets safety guidelines and all that.

[*Danni*]

No Iwouldn't. The plastic shell becomes brittle with age and may crack under pressure and also the webbing on the straps deteriorates both through the UV exposure they get in the cars. You can't see either of these weaknesses, they will only become apparent if you have a crash and they fail......so no not worth the risk in my opinion.

I agree. Initially I was looking at a capsule almost 10 years old and rang the manufacturer to find out about the safety etc etc and they said that they do not recommend using any car seat near 10 years old because of the fact it has aged and become much weaker over time with the materials etc (I know that's vague but they did raise very good points I just can't remember the exact issues now, almost a year later.)

I wouldn't risk it. You can't put a price on safety...


Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else

[BeautifulMadness]

Nope...id be going buying a new one

[Astrid]

I was under the impression that it was illegal to use a seat over 10 years old, sure that is what a Vic Roads rep told us when he did a talk on the new car seat laws. Could be just a Victorian thing.

[UntoldAngel]

No, I wouldn't. I know my mum tried to get an older seat (maybe 5 years old) installed and the installer wouldn't do it b/c it didn't comply with Australian Safety Standards.

I'd be concerned about that, given that convertible boosters are now made which suit 8kg-26kg, so essentially 6years.

Thanks for all the replies. We don't really need that seat in DH's car, it was more of a 'just in case' but the chances of us needing it would be slim to none.

DS's seat will be going to bub, and DS will be getting a convertible booster

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