What if you buy a used infant car seat that is a year old and has not been in an accident.
Would it be best to buy a new one? Did you buy new or used?
2006-06-27 11:01:13 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Yes it is worth buying a new one because you just know that it has never been used, never been in an accident, and most new ones have more comfortable paddings and updated looks than older car seats.
Car seats have an "expiration date" - you'll notice that it'll say either in the User Manual or on the seat itself that it can't be used by a certain year. That's because rules and laws regarding Child Restraint Systems are constantly being updated to ensure the best and maximum care and safety of the child using the car seat.
2006-06-27 11:12:04 · answer #1 · answered by hotmomma23 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A new car seat is a better choice. Hundreds of different car seats have been made over the years and even over the last few years, harness adjustment systems and base designs have improved dramatically and can make the difference in correct vs incorrect installations sometimes. However, understanding the need for a car seat and not being able to afford one are common concerns. The only way I would suggest you use a "used" car seat is if you know the person it came from a sibling, friend etc) Secondhand or resale shops just like garage sales are trying to make a buck and they are not necessarily going to tell you the truth about that crash (even minor ones can make the difference in structural integrity). So, if you want to get a used car seat from a trusted source make sure it has never been involved in a crash (with or without the child in it), make sure it is less than 6 years old (car seats expire after 6 years, check the label on the side of the seat for the date of manufacturer), make sure it has not been recalled (check www.nhtsa.dot.gov for a current recall list under child passenger safety), make sure it has the manual and all the pieces with it so you will know how to use it correctly. Hope that helps...
2006-06-28 14:02:34 · answer #2 · answered by carseat xpert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are sure that the seat has never been in an accident, then used is fine.
I used 2 used seats for my daughter, and she is fine and dandy. My doctor informed me that used is fine as long as it has never been involved in an auto accident.
You have to do what feels comfortable to you. If you don't trust a used car seat, buy a new one. It will cost you a little more, but you will have certain peace of mind knowing it has never been in an accident.
2006-06-27 19:29:38 · answer #3 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should never "re-use" car seats or buy used car seats that have been used by a different child....even with your own children, you should buy a new car seat for each new baby that comes along!! It is not safe to put a child into a used car seat....it might cost a little more to buy a new one, but it may save your childs life!!
2006-06-27 18:08:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are new government quidelines that have to be met for car seats. I would also check the consumer reports on the internet to make sure there have not been any recalls or defects in that model. If you know who owned the carseat and know it was well taken care of and meets all of the guidelines I would probably purchase it. If you're not 100% sure then buy a new one...your childs life is more important than saving a few bucks.
2006-06-27 18:53:56 · answer #5 · answered by jimminycricket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
even though it cost more. get a new one. that way you are certain that there will be no hidden cracks or tears,etc. your child's safety is worth the investment. i have used 2nd hand car seats and later found out it had a flaw. i'm really picky about car seats now. some baby re-sale shops wont even sell used car seats for just that purpose. if something happens they dont want to be held liable for any injuries or heaven forbid deaths.-mother of 14 yr. old and 6month old
2006-06-27 18:31:00 · answer #6 · answered by pamela c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely a new one. Unless it's a used one from someone you know and trust. New car seats are not that expensive so I think it's worth buying a new one.
2006-06-27 18:05:27 · answer #7 · answered by hotmomma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states its illegal to buy/sell a used car seat. If a family member wants to give you one, maybe. However make sure it hasnt been recalled. I would still buy a new one.
2006-06-27 18:32:11 · answer #8 · answered by Stewiesgal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEW CAR SEAT! you should re read your headline question. You asked if its best to buy a new or a new one.....
2006-06-27 22:28:23 · answer #9 · answered by AuroraBorealis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a new one. Older ones are not considered to be safe.
2006-07-04 15:06:33 · answer #10 · answered by sweenygirll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋