Second hand car seats

[jarofheart]

I just bought DC a new car seat. The first one we had was brand new and we only used it for 2/3 months. I know the advice is not to get second hand car seats but would it be ok to save this incase we have another DC?

It's what we've done. We know it's not been in any accidents, and know we can always get another one if we need to.

The advice is for secondhand purchases from strangers as you've no way of knowing whether that car seat was in a car that was involved in an accident. If it is your seat then it's fine.

Some car seats have an expiry as the plastic degrades over time so just check that on your own make and model before re-using.

The advice not to use second hand car seats is because if you buy one from a stranger you have no way of knowing if the seat has been in accident and if it has it’s probably not be safe to use. If it’s your seat and you know it hasn’t been in a crash and it’s been stored properly where it won’t get damp or damaged then it’s fine. Also check it still conforms to all safety standards before using it again as things can change, especially if you end up having a big age gap.

Thank you. That's what I thought but wasn't sure if I was missing anything.

Fine to use for several children, so long as you knwo it's not been in a accident and has been looked after.

Most stuff I put in the loft but it gets super hot up there and I have noticed other plastics degrading up there. I was a bit paranoid so managed to wedge the car seat in the back of the wardrobe till it was needed again.

Mind you, it get's pretty hot in the car too.

Check it doesn't expire.

The advice is not to buy them from strangers because you can’t trust they haven’t been involved in a crash. If only you have previously used it then you obviously know its history therefore it’s completely safe.