When To Buy A New Car Seat May 2026

If you are considering a used seat, only accept it if you the previous owner to give you an honest crash history and you can verify the seat hasn't been part of a recall.

It’s time to switch to a convertible seat when the top of your baby's head is within 1 inch of the top of the car seat shell. when to buy a new car seat

Safety experts and most manufacturers recommend replacing a seat after any . If you are considering a used seat, only

The plastic becomes brittle over time due to extreme temperature changes in cars, and safety technology improves. The plastic becomes brittle over time due to

You may not need to replace it after a "minor" crash if: The vehicle was driven away from the crash. The door nearest the car seat was undamaged. No occupants were injured. The airbags did not deploy. There is no visible damage to the car seat. Pro-Tip: The "Hand-Me-Down" Check

Check the white sticker on the side or bottom of the seat for the "Date of Manufacture" (DOM). 3. After an Accident

Children usually outgrow their seats by before they hit the maximum weight limit.