Car seat-expiry date??

[megsmeadow]

Hello, I'm not sure where this should go so here it is!

I have a silver cross car seat which is now 7 years old, used for my own two children. It has never been in an accident. But I'm due another baby and I was wondering if the car seat materials degrade over time? And how much the design of car seats have changed in 7 years ie both infant and crash test safety.

I emailed silver cross but had no reply and can't seem to find a definite answer by googling.

Any experiences? If I change away from this car seat my trusty silver cross deluxe sleepover will also not be compatible with a different car seat (I think) but safety really does come first!
Thanks!

 

[candymycandy]

I'm not sure about the material etc degrading but I would agree there will have been quite a lot of improvements in safety and technology in that time. Sorry not much help I realise! x

 

[KHTW]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

If you can spare the money I would buy a new one. Technology and safety came a long way in 7 years

Also, the seats are much lighter so will be easier for you to carry.

 

[megsmeadow]

Thanks ladies! Yeah that's what I was thinking, that thinks surely have progressed, 7 years is a long time even given the regulations changing.
Interestingly, mothercare still sell my car seat. I'm guessing that just because they sell a product doesn't mean that it's any good, but it should still meet the current safety standards?!

 

[russellmuscle]

Someone on my mums group asked this recently.

Whilst I don't know the exact regulations I did suggest perhaps taking your seat into somewhere like Halford and asking them a few questions on safety changes and if it's adequate enough.

I know you can reuse car seats but it was my understand not if had been in an accident or any wear and tear.

If it's like new and passes safety standards I don't see why not. But you'd best ask.

Mothercare I found to be a bit naff when I was needing advice for a backed booster for my eldest son. Atleast Halford is a car based shop too so I would imagine they might know a bit more.

The laws keep changing or are pending changes. I know that the law is going to change (unsure when) on extended rear faced car seats so that kids are rear facing until 2.

xxx

 

[megsmeadow]

Thanks! I'm going to try and pester silver cross more and see if they give an answer. My experience in Halford has been terrible unfortunately.
On looking more there are some reasonable buggy type travel systems out there. I could still use my silver cross pram for the long walks etc.
Thanks for all the thoughts! Much appreciated!

 

[Hoping for no2]

I think they recommend only using a car seat for 5 years as the plastic starts to go brittle. I'm in the same boat as ours is over 8 years old so we'll be getting a new one. I've decided to go for a new (second hand) pram/pushchair but will buy the compatible car seat brand new. X

 

[babybee]

I emailed maxi cosi and they got back to me asking for a pic of a manufacturer sticker underneath the seat. They said t was fine to still use as they could see it was 4 years old and was designed to last for 10 years. They also said this:
"The car seats can be used for around 10 years from manufacture date however we would always advise that you look out for any white stress marks on the item, check over the harness system regularly for twists or damage and visually inspect the item for any wear and tear."
I also have a cybex sirona and was told the same thing with the exception that it has a lifespan of 8 years.

So Id defo pester silver cross more. As you say the model is still being sold and if there's nothing wrong with it then you can save yourself the money.x

 

[megsmeadow]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing!!! I'm. Just back from holiday today so will get on the case! That's great info from maxi cosi babybee!
Hoping, I think we're in a similar position. I am starting to wonder what would be more practical in the longer term too given I'll have a seven year old, lively three year old and new born out and about! Also wondering how we're going to fit all the seats in!!!!!

 

[inessa9]

The expiration date is really important and this car seat can be harmful.