Car seat safety and expiry dates

[MyCatScaresDogs]

We are expecting DC2 imminently and I’m now flapping about car seats. Would welcome thoughts of others.

DC1 had a Cabriofix which we used until 21 months in 2015-2017. I believe it will expire in autumn 2020. It has been stored in the loft for a couple of years but was barely used (maybe a couple of times a month) as we didn’t have a car at the time. He is currently in a Joie Stages (suitable from birth to 25kg).

Original plan was to use the Cabriofix for DC2, potentially with an Isofix base. Am now thinking in view of the expiry date that it would be worth moving DC2 to the Joie Stages in the summer and getting a decent HBB for DC1 at this point.

Questions:

1. Would you use the Cabriofix at all, in view of it having been in the loft? (No signs of mould/degradation).

2. Would you buy a second-hand Isofix base or is this in the same league as a second-hand car seat? In view of how awkward I found belting the seat in with the Stages already in the car, I’m now keen for a base but a bit loathe to spend £95 on something we’ll use for six months or so if not essential (obviously safety first but still...)

I wouldn’t buy a second hand isofix base. I’m generally all for second hand and for not adding another plastic purchase to the planet but all of DD’s car seats have been bought new as it just isn’t worth the risk.

We have the Joie Stages and I don’t feel the recline is enough for a newborn.

Why do car seats expire? I'd use it if it hasn't been damaged. Sorry don't know what an isofix base is.

Apparently it’s to do with degradation of plastic and the other materials.

An Isofix base is an alternative to belting a car seat into the car.

Your maxi Cosi should be fine. Apparently maxi Cosi have changed the lifespan of all their seats to 10 years (see photo from the car seat advice U.K. Facebook page).

Second isofix bases aren't recommended unless you can absolutely guarantee they haven't been in a crash, so passed on from somebody you know rather than bought second hand from an unknown source.

Thanks, @teaandbiscuitsforme - that’s good to know.

Anyone else?

I agree with Tea :) Absolutely no concerns about using a seat of that age. To be honest the degradation of plastics seems to be a bit of a non argument. I've seen car seat experts who work in the industry and follow the news etc state that they have never come across an instance of a seat which has failed due to the age of it. There are many types of plastic, some more durable than others, and the kinds that a good-quality car seat is made out of is unlikely to become brittle. (Think about lego etc which is over 30 years old and still going strong.) What you do find is that technology and safety moves on - and a seat from 10 years ago, particularly if it was something that was at the end of its run at the time it was bought, probably doesn't benefit from the same safety advances as modern seats. For the Cabriofix in particular, this seat is still on sale so that wouldn't be a concern in the slightest.

The other thing that you tend to find after 5-10 years of a car seat's life is that it has often moved around and been used by several children. Straps will eventually begin to fray from being tightened and loosened repeatedly, soft detachable goods may be lost or the specific way that they attach to the seat forgotten. The manual may be lost, instructions and safety warnings printed onto the seat may have worn away. The cover may have shrunk from being washed or the holes for the harness worn. Plastic clips to hold parts in place may have snapped off. Dirt may have ground into mechanisms. In short it is wear and tear which is the problem, not a seat which has been used for an older sibling and stored in the loft.

I think 10 years is conservative, 5 years is bonkers. Possibly if a seat has been in continuous use for those five years by somebody like a childminder where it sees a lot of adjustment and traffic. Personally I'd use a seat older than that regardless of the manufacturer's instructions.

A second hand base is probably slightly less risky than a second hand car seat as not as much potential for misuse, no shock absorbing parts for example, but it is true a base should also be replaced after an accident and if the seller doesn't know this they might not think to say. As it's such a popular model of seat perhaps it's worth asking around family and friends - I have a good feeling that the Cabriofix fits onto pretty much every base Maxi Cosi have made over the last 15 years or so. Otherwise it's your call - it's difficult to assess in a short meeting really whether somebody is being genuine in saying no accidents or whether they are just embarrassed and don't want to back down from the sale.

Alternatively if you're just after any seat with any base, the Joie Juva + base comes to about £85 as a combination. Joie is of comparable safety, although it does seem a bit bonkers to buy a whole other seat when you already have one!

Thank you - that’s really helpful. I suspect we will end up buying a new base but will give it a few weeks to decide whether we really need one! We got 21 months out of the Cabriofix last time, although it’s not an issue if we get less this time as DS1 will be old/big enough to move to a HBB at any point this summer, but I’d like to be able to use the Cabriofix for as long as suits us.