A car seat is one of the most important safety investments you’ll make for your child. While buying secondhand baby clothes or toys can be a great way to cut costs, used car seats pose serious risks, including unknown crash history, missing parts, expiration, and recalls. In this article, we’ll explore why experts recommend against buying used car seats and why using a new car seat is always the safest choice. Is it Safe to Buy a Used Car Seat? It is not safe to buy a used car seat. Most child safety experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), strongly advise against purchasing secondhand car seats due to the serious safety risks involved. A used car seat may have hidden damage, missing parts, an unknown crash history, or be expired or recalled—any of which could compromise its ability to protect your child in an accident. Is it Safe to Buy a Used Car Seat Base? Car seat bases are integral components of car seats that provide stability. Because a car seat base is subject to the same risks as the seat itself, it is not safe to buy a used one. The base could have hidden damage, be expired, or have missing safety labels—any of which could compromise its effectiveness in protecting your child. How Many Years Should a Car Seat Be Used? Car seats typically have lifespans of 6-10 years, depending on the model and manufacturer. Once a car seat has reached or surpassed its expiration date, it should no longer be used. This is because materials such as plastic, foam, and harness webbing naturally degrade over time due to regular use, temperature changes, and sun exposure. This gradual wear can weaken the seat’s ability to provide proper protection in a crash. Even if it looks fine on the outside, years of use and exposure can reduce its effectiveness when it matters most. The expiration date of a car seat is printed on a label on the car seat. Chicco car seats have clearly marked expiration dates to help caregivers ensure they are using a seat that will properly protect their children. Challenges of Buying Used Car Seats 1. The Car Seat’s History is Unknown One of the biggest concerns with buying a used car seat is the uncertainty surrounding its history. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), a car seat that has been in a crash should never be used because its structural integrity may be compromised. Some types of damage, such as stress fractures or weakened plastic, are not always detectable to the naked eye but can still affect how a car seat performs in a crash. 2. The Car Seat May Be Expired or Recalled Car seats have expiration dates based mostly on their material longevity. As materials degrade over time, an expired car seat may not provide the same level of protection as a new one. Additionally, a used car seat could be subject to a manufacturer recall, meaning it may have known safety concerns. Caregivers should always verify the recall status of a car seat through the NHTSA or the manufacturer before use. 3. The Car Seat May Have Damaged or Missing Parts and Labels A car seat must have all its original components to function properly. Missing parts can compromise the seat’s effectiveness, and even minor cracks, frayed straps, or worn padding can reduce its ability to protect a child in an accident. Although you may not have considered the importance of car seat labels before, they provide essential safety information, including height and weight limits, proper installation guides, and expiration dates. Over time, these labels may fade or peel, making it difficult for caregivers to use the seat correctly. Without complete and legible labels, it is much more difficult to confirm the seat’s specifications. Can You Reuse an Infant Car Seat for a Second Baby? While buying a used car seat is risky, reusing an infant car seat within your own family can be safe if the following conditions are met: The seat is within its expiration date. The seat has never been involved in a car accident. All parts, labels, and the instruction manual are intact. The car seat is one you bought yourself. If you’re unsure whether your car seat is safe to use for a second baby, use this tool from Consumer Reports. It will ask you for important information regarding your car seat, so make sure you have your manual on hand. Not planning on having a second baby soon? Follow these guidelines on safely storing your car seat for future use. Why New Car Seats Are the Safest Option When it comes to your little one, safety is the number one priority. New car seats are the best way to protect your child on the road because they: Have never been in a crash. Haven’t expired or been recalled. Include all parts, labels, and manuals. May offer improved side-impact protection, easier installation, and ergonomic designs for comfort and security. FAQs How long are used car seats good for? Car seats generally have a lifespan of 6-10 years, depending on the manufacturer and model. Always check the car seat’s manual or label for the expiration date before using it. Is it illegal to use an expired car seat? There is no federal law in the United States explicitly prohibiting the use of expired car seats, however, doing so poses serious safety risks. Additionally, many states and jurisdictions have child passenger safety laws that require car seats to meet manufacturer guidelines, which often include expiration dates. Not following these guidelines can lead to fines or safety violations in some states. It’s also important to note that insurance companies or other legal entities may hold caregivers liable for using a product that is not considered safe if an expired car seat is in use during a crash. Caregivers should always check with their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or child passenger safety laws for clarification on laws regarding the use of expired car seats. Is it okay to sell expired car seats? It is not okay to sell expired car seats because they are unsafe to use. In some states, selling an expired car seat is illegal, and doing so could lead to penalties. Instead, opt for recycling or disposal. Can you register a used car seat? Yes, you can register a used car seat. However, they may be more difficult to register than new car seats if they are missing paperwork or their labels have become illegible. Prepare Your Baby for the Road With Chicco Car Seats Keeping your child safe is the most important part of every journey, and buying a new car seat is one of the most effective ways to protect them on the road. At Chicco, we design our car seats with safety, innovation, and ease of use in mind—so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying every ride with your little one. For more parenting tips and advice, check out the Chicco Baby Talk Blog!