Do you really need to replace car seats after 5 years?

[Lozzer]

Just wondering. I have a car seat I bought for DS1 back in 2001. Both he and his brother used it and then it has been sitting in a cupboard for several years. Now DD1 is getting to 9 months and I was thinking to dust down the old seat and have DD1 use it.
I emailed Maxi Cosi about replacement car seat covers and they recommend replacing the whole car seat after five years. Something about plastic becoming brittle. Does anyone with a technical background know if this is true? The seat appears to be in good condition and it was never in a car that crashed.
Many thanks, Lorien

Yes, you should replace it.

And before anyone says they will want more money, they do tell you if a seat will still be fine.

You can't always see wear and tear or damage.

Less fancy new baby stuff and a new car seat if you are on a budget.

If the manufacturer is saying that it may be unsafe to use after more than 5 years, then I would not use it myself.

If you are happy to take the risk with your DD, then do.

If it hasn't been used for that length of time I would buy a new one.
Plus has your lo really outgrown his current car seat? Most now go up to 29lbs weight.

oh I have had the Britax 4-12 year carseats for my kids for 6 years, should I replace them all??

generally manufacturer recommend between 5 and 8 years use from the car seats dependant on type and storage methods.

mine are the ones that have no harnesses, just seatbelts, for older kids. I have used them every day since buying them in my car. I am trying to remember when I brought them, I know they were on offer at mothercare at the time. I don't want to replace them if possible as Ds1 is nearly 12 (though very small for his age) and the girls are 9 and 8, and these seats have been great for them, and Britax don't do them anymore

they should be ok as they are designed for that longevity of use. Plus it's not the seatbelt against the frame that holds them in it's the wight of your dc.

So what about the carseats that are supposed to be for 9 months to 12 years? (Something like the Britax Evolva 1-2-3) Does that mean that they'll do for 5 years within that period and then you have to replace it anyway?

We're going to have to get a new car seat for DD soon (almost 1 year old but quite small so not quite up to 9kg yet) and we were wondering whether to get a Group 1 to last her up to 4 years or whether to get one like the Evolva. If they have to (or should) be replaced after 5 years it doesn't seem like that good a deal.

oh thats ok, I did wonder why a carseat would be sold for 4-12 years olds yet only last 5 years IYKWIM. I was panicking I was going to have to find £200+ for carseats. I am still unsure as to Ds1 will need a carseat come December when he is 12 as he is only 122cms tall, but I think he will be safer in a carseat due to his height

I would go for the group 1 followed by the group 2/3 whe age appropriate.

Group 1 is generally safer because you can get a much securer fit in most cars, plus there is a greater range of choice such as Isofix/ non-Isofix etc.

Car seats likie the Evolva 1-2-3 I tend to recommend for people who need to transport lots of children of varying ages in a short space of time, like Grandparents with gc between ages 2 and 11 for example, when they get the versatility of use plus value for money with that type of car seat.

iirc, he needs support for his back and neck? if so, then continue to use a high back booster.
Check the seat for any weaknesses/ damage. If it shows damage then replace it.

Thanks differentID - that makes sense.

thanks DIfferentID, I will check his seat over and carry on, I am not happy for him not to be supported. I might see if there is a special needs carseat that might be better for him, but the Hi-liner has been so good.

Sparkly, have you though about getting a Crelling harness fitted? Especially if he needs longer term support in the car?

TBH I haven't heard of them, just googled and found them, they look great, will phone tomorrow and see what they say, can't see how they support a child though, he needs support in his lower trunk.

not to worry just seen how they work, they look ideal thanks

Can someone tell me if the height has to be 140cm before the child doesn't need a seat anymore please?

fabBakerGirl child car seat law has the info you need

135cm is the minimum, but originally it was going to be 150cm, except They didn't think that parents would go for it.

My eldest is only 8 and already 135cm tall which isn't very tall in my opinion, but surely he will grow more than 5cm in 4 years?

Looking at him, he does still need a seat. Just worried there comes a point where he is safer with no seat and we have kept him in it.

Thanks for the link OYBBK, will look now.

then keep him in it. remember, 135cm is the minimum height to come out of a seat, not the maximum. Keep him on one till he gets closer to 150cm, which should be nearer 12 years old.

Thank you differentID. I hadn't realised it was the minimum. I intend to use the car a lot less from next week anyway.

My poor children are going to be well into secondary school by the time they hit 135cm if they grow at the same rate!

My mum kept her car seats for ages and none of us thought about it. I went to put it in the car one day when I was at her house and it had a huge split. It looked fine if you glanced at it. It must have been about 10 years old but had never been in an accident.

I'll be changing mine more often than that.