FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
When buying a new car seat, make sure it has passed several tests to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). To ensure that you get a seat that meets federal guidelines, it’s important to read Tips for Buying a Car Seat Online.
Child safety seats typically have a lifespan of six years, and their expiration date is usually six years from the date of manufacture. This is because the materials used to create the seat can degrade over time due to factors such as hot or cold temperatures and sun exposure. To find the expiration date of your child safety seat, look for it printed on the restraint. If you can’t find it, contact the manufacturer and provide them with the model number and date of manufacture to determine the expiration date.
It is not advisable to donate your used child safety seat because it may have expired as every seat comes with an expiry date. Additionally, it may have been in a wreck and the buyer would not know. Some safety features or parts may also be missing, and the owner’s manual may not be included. Due to these reasons, many thrift stores decline donations of car seats.
One way to prevent your child from slouching in their car seat is to place tightly rolled receiving blankets on both sides of them. Some manufacturers allow the use of a small diaper or cloth rolled tightly and placed between the crotch strap and your child, if needed. However, it’s important to avoid placing any padding under or behind your child or using any car safety seat insert that wasn’t specifically made for that seat by the manufacturer.
When choosing a car safety seat for your baby, it is important to consider their weight and size. Rear-facing-only seats are usually best for very small babies who can sit safely in a semi-reclined position. If your baby was born prematurely, it is important to have them screened while still in the hospital to ensure they can sit safely in a semi-reclined position. For babies who need to lie flat during travel, a car bed that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 may be appropriate. It is important to have your baby screened again while in the hospital to ensure they can lie safely in the car bed.