Can anyone please point me in the direction of some independent research re: plastic deterioration in car seats?

[saltnpepashere]

This is not really an issue for us at the moment but could be in the future. DH's sister gave us a maxi cosi cabriofix which she used for her DS (now 5) for our DS who is now 12 months and into a ERF seat.

However, if we were to have another one we would probably want to use that seat again rather than buying a new one, as it is still in very good condition. I have seen things on here said about plastic deterioration and car seats having a limited life, however, when I have tried to research this it just leads me to the advice from maxi cosi themselves. TBH, I am a little sceptical about this as to me it just seems like MC are trying to sell more seats. DH also thinks it is a load of rubbish and his job deals with materials and physics and the like.

So has anyone seen any actual independent research about plastic deterioration in car seats? Also, what about those group 1,2,3 car seats - surely they are designed to last more than 5 years, why dont maxi cosi make their seats from that plastic? Any experts out there?

Thank you!

Not an expert but your Weston got me thinking about or seats so I had to google. A first search comes up with about 5-10 years depending on the seat. especially when stored in a car as the plastic is then exposed to extrema temperatures making the material degrade faster.

Which as a physiosist myself I can understand.

In the USA apparently they all come with expiry dates. That would make it easier.

Thank you. Yes I had heard about the deterioration through extreme temperatures in the car and it makes sense, although infant carrier car seats are often not left in the car anyway as they are used to carry the baby. Also, they are only used for a year at a time and then put into storage usually so again wont really be exposed to temperature change as much.

I was just wondering because I just cannot find any actual research about it. When I googled, it was all just discussion groups or baby websites, rather than car safety research. I can understand deterioration after many many years, but I am not sure about 5 years.

I think they just want to sell more car seats!
What's a physiosist, btw?

My inability to spell, the field relating to physics. At lest I can spell physics.