do car seats expire

Yes, car seats do expire, much to the chagrin of many parents who thought a purchase was a one-time deal. Typically, a car seat's lifespan is about 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture, not purchase. After this period, the plastic degrades, safety standards evolve, and the seat may no longer provide adequate protection.

Reasons for expiry include:

• Material fatigue and wear
• Advancements in safety regulations
• Potential unseen damage from accidents

Always check the label on your seat for the manufacture date and expiry info. And for new or used seats, marketplaces like CarShowroom or Tradingpost can be handy, but beware of expired or recalled models.