CAR SEAT EXPIRY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Car seat expiry is a topic that often raises questions among parents and caregivers. While some may believe that expiry dates are simply a marketing ploy used by manufacturers to sell more seats, it is important to understand the reasons behind car seat expiration. In Canada, all car seats have an expiry date, and in this guide, we will explore why they expire, how to check for expiration, and what to do with an expired car seat. 

WHY DO CAR SEATS EXPIRE?

Car seats have expiry dates for several reasons, as outlined by Transport Canada. Over time, the following factors contribute to the need for car seat replacement:

1. Wear and tear: Frequent use and exposure to sunlight can cause plastic components to weaken and become damaged.

2. Fading labels: Safe-use labels on the car seat fade or become difficult to read, making it harder to follow important instructions and safety guidelines.

3. Loss of manuals: Instruction manuals for the car seat are often lost or misplaced, making it challenging to ensure proper installation and usage.

4. Contamination and damage: Spills of food, drinks, cleaners, or other materials on webbing, buckles, adjusters, and other parts can compromise their functionality and safety.

 5. Unknown history or condition: It becomes increasingly difficult to determine if a car seat has been involved in a crash or stored in a way that may have caused damage to its components.

6. Changing safety regulations: Safety standards and regulations for car seats may evolve, leading to the availability of safer and more advanced products on the market.

7. Lack of recall notices: Second or subsequent owners of a car seat may not receive important safety recall notices if issues arise with the product.

HOW DO I DETERMINE WHEN MY CAR SEAT EXPIRES? 

The useful life or expiry date of a car seat is set by the manufacturer. While many people may count from the date of purchase, most car seat manufacturers require counting from the date of manufacture. You can find the date of manufacture on a sticker attached to the seat, although it may not always be easily visible. In some cases, the sticker is located underneath the car seat, so it's essential to check before installing the seat.

Although the date of manufacture is usually indicated on the sticker, the expiry date may not be directly printed there. Different manufacturers list expiry dates in various ways. It could be on a separate sticker, imprinted onto the plastic somewhere on the seat, or mentioned in the car seat's manual. If you cannot find the expiry date, you need to manually calculate it based on the date of manufacture. Here are some examples of stickers indicating the date of manufacture:

To determine the specific expiry date for your car seat, refer to the chart provided by Transport Canada. However, keep in mind that manufacturers have the final say on how long their car seat is considered safe. Some models may have expiration dates that extend beyond the ones listed in the chart. To confirm the expiry date for your particular car seat, contact the manufacturer with the date of manufacture and model number found on the sticker.

Using the chart:

 - If your car seat is rear-facing, it will be denoted by an "I" on the chart.

- If your car seat is forward-facing, it will be denoted by a "C" on the chart.

-If your car seat is a booster seat, it will be denoted by a "B" on the chart.

- If your car seat can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions, it will be denoted by "I/C" 

- If your car seat can be used in both forward-facing and booster stage, it will be denoted by "C/B" 

-If your car seat can be used in both rear-facing, forward-facing positions, and is a booster it will be denoted by "I/C/B"

Remember, ensuring that your car seat is within its useful life and not expired is crucial for maintaining optimal safety for your child during car rides.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH AN EXPIRED SEAT?

If you have an expired car seat, prioritize safety and take the necessary steps for proper disposal. Remember, never use an expired seat, and avoid giving it away, donating it, or keeping it as a backup. Instead, focus on discarding it correctly.

Check with your municipality for a potential car seat recycling program, although these programs are not widely available. If you are disposing the seat on garbage day, take precautions to ensure it won't be picked up and mistakenly used, compromising the safety of another child or being sold through local classifieds. To make it clear that the seat is not usable:

 1. Remove the cover (if you have an identical, non-expired seat, you can use its cover as a backup or replacement).

2. Render the seat inoperable by cutting the harness straps, breaking some plastic components, and using a permanent marker to write a warning message like "NOT SAFE FOR USE."

Disposal options for expired car seats can vary depending on your location, so it's advisable to consult your local recycling center or municipality for specific guidelines. As of July 2023, none of the municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area provide a car seat recycling service, resulting in expired car seats often being sent to landfills. Although there was a private company that previously accepted car seats for recycling, they are no longer offering this service. We will continue to monitor and update any information regarding recycling options for car seats. If you become aware of any new recycling services or alternative options, we would appreciate it if you could let us know.

If your car seat has expired and you require a replacement, we encourage you to check out our Car Seat MatchMaker Questionnaire. By providing us with your requirements, we will gladly recommend several models that best suit your needs.