To not want a second hand carseat?

[PoultryInMotion]

Do tell me if I'm being precious DD is 2.1, DC2 is expected in March

So DH went up in the loft to retrieve our old infant carseat the other day. I'd treat it carefully, stored it all wrapped up and in its box. DH for some unfathomable reason took it out of its packing, then proceeded to drop it out the loft hatch because he is an idiot thought I was at the bottom ready to 'recieve' it. I was not aware of this plan and was nowhere near the loft hatch. So it fell. Hard. And broke.

So now we need a new one. It's a nuisance, but we can afford a new one so I've been looking round the shops to see what's apropriate. I made the mistake of mentioning to my Mum and Brother that I was going to look at some carseats. They seem rather horrified that I'm actually going to pay out for a new seat. I'm not keen to use the old one as now theirs a (albeit small) crack in the side.

Now they've passed the message round, I've been inundated with offers of old used carseats. I'm really chuffed that people are being kind (even if a fair few are selling rather than giving) but I just really don't want to use someone else's old carseat. I know that sounds stupid considering I was happy to use my own old carseat, but I know where it's been, how it's been taken care of, and that it's never been in a crash. I'm sure other people have taken just as good care with their carseat as I have (well, you know, until it was dropped from a great height) but I don't know for sure.

It's just that it seems to be the done thing. I've had several offers. I've also had people ringing me telling me they'd spotted ads in the paper for second hand carseats. It's lovely that people are looking to do me a favour and save me some money but I really don't know how to politely say 'I don't want your old carseat, it might not be safe'

We have an old car and although it's perfectly roadworthy, I'll bet it's not as 'crash proof' as more modern cars, hence why I'd like to be doubly sure we have a decent carseat that's been fitted by a trained person.

Am I being precious? If not, how do I politely decline without offending?

I wouldn't think twice about using a seat from family or good friends but I wouldn't buy 2nd hand from strangers. Two sets of my friends gave though, which really surprised me as I consider them much more contentious as parents than I am in many ways. Interestingly one couple are front line hospital workers and from the other couple the DH is a police officer who deals with nasty accidents fairly regularly. All of them think it's a clever ploy to sell more seats. I wouldn't take the risk personally

Have not gave

I wouldn't use a second hand car seat unless it came from someone who loved my child and understood the importance of never using a car seat that had been in a crash (whether visibly damaged or not).

I would use a second hand one if it was a good one, fairly new and I 100% trusted it hadn't been in a crash or dropped. But I wouldn't get one from ebay or anything. It would have to be a close friend/relative.
YAdefinitelyNBU not to use the one that is cracked.

Your DH is BU about the cracked seat - that one is dangerous. I would use a second hand seat from a family member or good friend but wouldn't do an ebay or free-ads one. Don't think you are being precious, the stage 0 ones are so cheap nowadays anyway (and all have to pass the rigorous safety tests in this country so paying more won't mean "safer")

I've always had a new one as they improve with every year I cringe when I compare DD1's with the last DC's.