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Home | Family Safety | How Long Do Car Seats Last?

How Long Do Car Seats Last? Why you can trust SafeWise products considered250+research hours in 25+ in-home tests10k+years of combined experience176+homes and people protected10M+

For over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research, hands-on testing, and expert consultations to provide trustworthy, human-written home safety advice. Read our methodology.

By Celeste Tholen Mar 28, 2023 2 min read

Most car seats come with an expiration date, which is usually between five and nine years after they were manufactured. The expiration date is not the only thing that may limit a car seat’s lifespan, however. If a car seat is involved in a crash or sustains damage to the structure in any way, it should be retired.

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Stay sensitive to car seat age

Be sure to read the owners manual that came with your car seat to find out the expiration date. You should also be able to find it imprinted on the car seat, molded into the body, or included on labels along with other safety information. Car seats are given an expiration date to alert parents that the seat may be worn down or out of date after advances in safety standards and technology.

Expired car seats need to be thrown out—never donate or loan an old car seat.

Another factor that can contribute to the longevity of a car seat is the types of materials used in construction. Some materials are more durable and can better withstand a crash. In addition, the design and method of installation can have an impact on how long a car seat will last. All of these factors contribute to the expiration date and should be kept in mind when reviewing a car seat for wear and tear.

Retire seats after car accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that car seats should be retired after a moderate to severe crash. An accident can be considered minor—and therefore may not require car seat replacement—if all the following factors are true:

• The airbags did not deploy.
• The car did not sustain any visible damage and was able to drive away from the accident.
• The passengers were not injured.

After an accident, and at least once per year, you should have your car seat inspected to make sure it is still safe for your child and there are no missing parts or structural compromises. You should also register your car seat after purchase to be informed if the seat is subject to any recalls.

If you don’t yet have a car seat or are looking to purchase a new one after retiring an older model, check out our handy buyers' guides for car seats and booster seats.

Related articles on SafeWise

• When Can I Turn My Baby Around to Face Forward in the Car?
• What Are the Child Safety Seat Laws in Each State?
• Devices to Prevent Leaving Kids in the Car
• When Can a Child Switch to a Regular Seat Belt?
• When Can Kids Ride in the Front Seat?

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Product	Best for	Price	Specs	Standout feature	Learn more	Read review
Graco 4Ever DLX	Best car seat	$299.00	Converts to 4 seats for ages 0–10	Performs well in crash tests	View on Amazon	Read review
Davinci 4-in-1 Convertible Crib	Best baby crib	$199.00	GREENGUARD Gold Certified	Four adjustable mattress positions	View on Amazon	Read review
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor	Best baby monitor	$299.99	Unlimited range	High-quality night vision + two-way talk	View on Amazon	Read review
Wappa Child Safety Locks	Best baby-proofing locks	$12.99	3M strong adhesive	Use on cabinets, refrigerators, and toilets	View on Amazon	Read review
Reolink E1 Zoom	Best nanny cam	$98.99	Automatic person/pet tracking	Two-way talk + excellent night vision	View on Amazon	Read review
Regalo Easy Step	Best baby gate	$44.99	30 in. tall; fits doorways 29-34 and 35-38.5 in. wide	Open with one hand	View on Amazon	Read review
LILLEbaby All Seasons	Best baby carrier	$99.99	For babies 7–45 lbs	6 ways to carry your baby	View on Amazon	Read review

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Share Article Written by Celeste Tholen Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She once oversaw the editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help everyone find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Now she is a contributing writer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. In her free time, she volunteers at the local botanical garden and writers for the community newspaper.

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