I bought a car seat it is new I got it from store but it has made 2004 " Graco infant car seat"?

Question

what do you think? is it safe ? does it matter that it is not 2006 or even 2005?

thanks

Answer 1

They've been making pretty much the same model since 2002 when car manufacturers started putting the extra hooks into the back seats for infant car seats. Pretty much the only things they change are the aesthetic qualities, color, fabric, ergonomic handle, etc. You can use the same car seat base for almost any car seat manufacturer and almost any model (as with anything, there are some exceptions) Besides, the plastic does not break down that quickly. Most items made of that heavy grade plastic have at least 1 to 5 year warranties and most warranties are from the date of purchase and not from the date of manufacture. Basically, the car seat could sit on the shelf for 100 years sealed in it's box without use and it would still work. As long as it doesn't look like it's been used and returned, it should be just fine.

Answer 2

How old is too old for a safety seat?

There is some controversy about the "expiration" date for safety seats. All experts agree that a seat should be discarded and destroyed if it is more than 10 years old, even if it looks fine. Most manufacturers suggest replacing a seat 5 to 8 years after the date of manufacture, because current safety seats may have better safety features than older seats, such as a tether or air bag warnings. The date of manufacture may be found on a sticker on the seat (unless it has peeled off) and may be stamped into the plastic shell. However, don’t confuse patent dates, which can also be molded into the plastic, with the date the individual safety seat was manufactured.

Expiration date

In the last few years, CR manufacturers have been putting "expiration dates" on their products. This was begun in response to infant deaths from air bags. The companies realized that they had millions of products in use that said nothing about the danger to a rear-facing child. The concern became one that "best practice" and regulations change over time, so that a child restraint becomes "obsolete" and less effective than a new product, much the same way that medicines may change or become less effective after some time has passed. A current example would be with tethers--older CRs do not have them, and this is potentially a situation where a newer product will be more effective than an older one.

Taken at face value, the expiration interval (ranging from 5 to 8 years, depending on the manufacturer) is from the date of manufacture, which is what governs the labeling, certification, and other rules that apply. Whether to continue to use an "expired" CR is a judgment call, depending on the alternatives. It will work as well as before, but it is important to know what regulations and warnings may have changed and the risks involved. It is also important to take the expiration date into account when purchasing a CR that may have been manufactured several months or even a year or more before.

Answer 3

Made in 2004 is exactly what it is.. car seats expire about 5-6 years after that date. Make sure you register yours with the enclosed form so you will be notified of any recalls. Contact your local Health Dept. or Police to check for proper inslallation into your car before baby is born. Improper use and installation is the leading cause of injury and death concerning carseats.

You probally won't be seeing carseats made in 2006 until next year or later. They need to get these other ones in use before they are not good any more.

Answer 4

Yes it should be fine, but to be on the safe side, give Graco a call and tell them your model number to ensure there haven't been any recalls on your model.

I believe that 2004 is the year that Graco released the model of car seat that you just bought. Graco has been using the same model of infant car seats and strollers for years now (I know cause I have one). All they have done to "update" their product is change the material/colour.

So it should be fine, but please do call Graco because ultimately you want to ensure the safety of your baby 150%

Good luck hon!

Answer 5

Well I would give Graco a call, because they started dating them because of the lack of longevity of the plastics used. So I would give them a call, if the exp date they give you is in a year or so I would return it & demand a monetary refund. Car seats now have a exp. date as they do not last as long as some mommies would like to believe. But it could also just the year the style was made not the seat, is that the year of manufacturer as that is what really counts

Answer 6

It should be safe, but car seats do expire, so although a 2004 car seat isn't expired, you will have fewer years of use. There should be a expiration date on the label, but if not, I the rule of thumb is after 6 years the seat may not be used any longer.

If this is your first of several planned children, that could prove to be a problem (or if you ever wish to resell or even give it away).

Answer 7

I would say get a convertible seat, infant car seats only have a weight limit of 20lbs and she may reach this long before you can turn her around. Plus in the next month or so you'll no longer be able to comfortably carry her in the carrier style seat anyway and end up buying the convertible seat.

Answer 8

yes, it should be safe
but go to the Graco site and check to see if there were any call backs on your make of car seat for that year

Answer 9

Sounds to me like you will be okay........The store owners know when to take them off of the shelves if they deem to be unsafe.......Look up the Graco website and see if there are any recalls on it......If so, take the carseat back for a refund.......If not, you will be okay........May God bless you and the new baby, my dear........

Answer 10

Yes, Graco doesnt always change their models.