An infant car seat is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you’ll purchase. So when your little one outgrows it, it makes sense to store it properly if you plan to use it again for a future addition to the family- plus it saves your family the cost of buying a new one. By giving your infant car seat a little TLC before storing it, you’re setting it up to stay in great shape—ready to protect your next little passenger whenever the time comes. A few protective steps will go a long way in keeping it in working order while it’s stored. Let’s explore the best ways to prep your infant car seat for future adventures! Preparing an Infant Car Seat for Storage Cleaning The first step to safely storing an infant car seat is to give it a thorough cleaning. Removing crumbs, dust, and any lingering mess will help keep the car seat fresh and ready to go when you need it. Vacuuming: Start by vacuuming the entire car seat, including the base, straps, and buckles. Use a vacuum attachment to reach tight crevices and corners where dirt and debris tend to collect. Pay extra attention to areas like the base and buckle, which can hide crumbs and dust. Removing Stains: For any stains, use a mild, child-friendly detergent and a soft cloth. Gently dab at the stain rather than scrubbing, as scrubbing can wear down the fabric. Washing Covers and Padding: If the covers and padding are removable, follow the care instructions included in the product manual closely to avoid shrinkage or damage. For machine-washable covers, use a delicate cycle with a gentle detergent and skip the dryer—air drying is best for preserving the fabric. Drying Make sure your infant car seat is fully dry before storing it to prevent mold or mildew from forming. Air Drying in a Shaded Area: Once cleaned, place the car seat in a well-ventilated, shaded area to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade or weaken the fabric over time. Checking for Moisture: Periodically check for any areas that may still be damp, especially around thicker padding. If you find any spots that haven’t dried, allow extra time for air drying before you put the seat into storage. Using a Fan: To help speed up the drying process, you can use a small fan to gently circulate air around the car seat. This can help remove any lingering moisture without damaging the fabric or padding. Avoiding Heat Sources: It may be tempting to dry the car seat covers quickly by placing it near heaters or radiators, but high heat can damage the car seat materials and make them brittle. Instead, allow the seat to dry gradually to keep it in optimal condition. With these simple cleaning and drying steps, your infant car seat will be fresh and ready to store until the next time you need it. Choosing a Storage Location When it comes to storing your infant car seat, moisture, temperature, and sun exposure should be considered. The best storage spot for car seats is in cool and dry areas in your home. Control Moisture and Temperature Levels Basements, while often convenient for storage, can be moist environments. If you plan to store your car seat in a basement, make sure it’s well-ventilated and kept dry to avoid mold or mildew. Excessive heat can also degrade the materials over time and affect the car seat’s structural integrity. Because of this, you should avoid storing your car seat in attics that aren’t temperature-controlled. Instead, look for a spot that's consistently between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 30°C) year-round to protect your car seat. You should also keep the humidity low in your storage space to protect against mold and mildew buildup. Closet spaces or other climate-controlled rooms can be a great choice for temperature and humidity control. Protect from Sunlight Exposure Direct sunlight can cause the fabric and plastic parts of your car seat to fade, weaken, or degrade over time from UV exposure. Choose a sun-free spot to keep the materials in the best condition for future use. Closets, storage rooms, or even an insulated garage are great options as long as they’re cool and dry. Even indirect sunlight can have an impact over time, so a spot far from windows and skylights is ideal. Infant Car Seat Storage Methods Use the Right Materials to Cover the Car Seat A cover can add an extra layer of protection to help keep your car seat clean and secure from potential damage. Here’s what to use (and what to avoid) when covering your car seat: Opt for Breathable Fabric Covers: Choose a breathable cover made from materials like cotton or canvas. These fabrics allow airflow that helps prevent mold and mildew growth caused by trapped moisture. They also provide a barrier against dust without sealing in humidity. Bypass Plastic Covers: Plastic covers may seem protective but can trap moisture, creating an environment for mold and mildew. They also don’t allow the car seat to “breathe,” which can lead to unpleasant odors or material degradation over time. Position the Car Seat Properly Positioning the car seat in storage is just as important as covering it. Make a point to: Store Upright: Keep the car seat upright, similar to how it would be installed in a vehicle. This helps maintain its shape and prevents any deformation to the seat’s frame or padding. Avoid Placing Heavy Items on or Against the Car Seat: Make sure nothing heavy is stacked on or leaning against the car seat. Excess weight or pressure can compress or deform the padding, affecting the seat’s structural integrity and overall safety. Secure Loose Straps and Buckles: To keep the harness organized and prevent any unnecessary stress to the straps, buckle them together. Then, carefully position the harness and buckle within the car seat shell to avoid tangling or twisting. Before You Use Your Car Seat Again If you’re preparing to reuse your stored infant car seat, go through a quick safety check. Car seat recalls and expiration dates are in place to protect your child. So, make a point to verify these important details before using your car seat again. Check for Recalls Car seat manufacturers sometimes issue recalls if they identify potential safety issues with a specific model. Staying informed about recalls helps ensure that your car seat is up to date with the latest safety standards. Why Check for Recalls? Even if your car seat was safe when you first purchased it, new testing or updated safety information can reveal risks over time. Checking for recalls —and especially after long-term storage—ensures that it still meets the latest safety guidelines and standards and gives you the opportunity to address any issues or repairs. What to Do if There’s a Recall: If you discover that your car seat has been recalled, contact the manufacturer directly to arrange for a repair, replacement part, or a new seat. How to Check: Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database and enter your car seat’s make, model, and year to see if any recalls or safety notices apply. Look for Pest Activity Mice can sometimes find their way into stored items, including car seats. Inspect it thoroughly for any signs of pest activity, including: Droppings: Mouse droppings are small, dark, and rod-shaped. They may be found on the seat surface, in crevices, or around the base. Chewed Straps or Fabric: Mice may gnaw on the harness straps, car seat cover, or other fabric components. Look for any signs of fraying, holes, or missing pieces. Nesting Materials: Mice may use shredded fabric, insulation, or other soft materials to build nests within the car seat. Track the Expiration Date Car seats also have expiration dates based on the materials used in manufacturing. A car seat’s expiration date is calculated based on the date it was manufactured, not the date it was purchased. This is because car seats are made with materials like plastics and foams that can degrade over time, potentially compromising the seat’s safety. Where to Find the Expiration Date: Check the car seat for a label indicating the expiration date or refer to the user manual. Most car seats are designed to last between 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. Why Expiration Dates Matter: Plastics and foams in your car seat can break down over a period of time, especially if exposed to changing temperatures and humidity. Car Seat Condition Inspecting the Seat: A Quick Checklist Before storing, take a few moments to inspect your car seat to make sure it’s in good condition, especially if you plan to use it for another child in the future. Use this checklist to catch any wear or damage that could affect safety down the line. Harness Straps and Buckles Damaged straps or malfunctioning buckles can reduce the effectiveness of the seat in an emergency. Look for fraying, tears, or broken stitching on the harness straps. Also, the buckles should latch and release smoothly without sticking or visible damage - so test those, too. Car Seat Frame The frame is engineered to absorb the force of a crash and protect your child. Inspect the frame closely for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or excessive wear. Even minor damage can compromise the seat’s effectiveness in a collision. Fabric and Padding Well-maintained fabric and padding provide comfort and protect the car seat’s internal materials. Small holes or tears can quickly grow larger with regular use, exposing the seat’s internal components and reducing the overall integrity of the padding. Look closely at high-contact areas, such as the seat's base and the sides where your child frequently touches. Press down on various sections of the seat to check for any parts that feel significantly less cushioned or noticeably thinner. When to Replace an Infant Car Seat Knowing when to replace your infant’s car seat is key to keeping them safe on every ride. To recap, here are the main signs that it’s time for a new one: The car seat has exceeded its expiration date. The car seat has significant damage or wear and tear. FAQs on Storing an Infant Car Seat for Future Use How long can I store an infant car seat before needing to replace it? You can store an infant car seat until it reaches its expiration date, which is typically 6–10 years from the date of manufacture. Be sure to check the label on the seat or the user manual to confirm the specific expiration period for your model, as materials can degrade over time, affecting safety. Is it safe to store a car seat in a car? It’s best to avoid storing a car seat in a car long-term, as extreme temperatures can weaken the seat’s materials. Heat can cause plastics and foams to degrade, while cold temperatures can make them brittle, both of which can compromise the seat’s safety over time. Can I wash the car seat cover in a washing machine? Many car seat covers are machine washable, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions in your car seat manual to be sure. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent if machine washing is allowed, and air-dry the cover to help maintain its fit and fabric quality. Should I replace the car seat after an accident? Yes, car seats should be replaced after any moderate or severe accident, even if there is no visible damage. A crash can impact the car seat’s ability to protect effectively in the future. Check with the manufacturer or refer to your manual, as some brands recommend replacement even after minor accidents. Is it safe to reuse an infant car seat for a second child? Yes, you can reuse an infant car seat for a second child as long as it is within its expiration date, has not been in any accidents, and is in good condition. Be sure to inspect the seat for any signs of wear or damage and check for any recalls before using it again. If the car seat cover has become damaged over time or while in storage, see if you can purchase a new cover. Many manufacturers offer replacement seat covers you can easily replace and swap out. Car Seat Storage Ideas from Chicco By taking these steps, you’re prioritizing your child’s safety and protecting your car seat investment for the future. Remember to clean thoroughly, store in a cool, dry place, use protective covers, and always check for recalls and expiration dates before reuse. For more helpful tips and resources for your baby, check out the Chicco Baby Talk Blog!