using carseats

[kktpj]

I'm expecting baby number 4 after a 12 year gap. Kept all my equipment and am happy to use it all except worried about the first stage carseat. It is 12 years old but only used for one light baby for a year. It is in perfect order, well looked after and stored but would there be plastic fatigue? I know if I ask advice in any of the usual baby retailers I'll be told it's safer to buy new. I've also been offered the use of my sister's babt carseat which is 3 years old. Any thoughts or advice?

I know the manufacturers say that old seats more than a few years old could have plastic fatigue.

Not sure I believe in plastic fatigue. Think it's a myth put about by car seat manufacturers. Takes forever to biodegrade. Having said that I think car seat design/safety may have advanced in the past 12 years so would be more inclined to use sisters seat from that point of you.

Thank you. Think will let no 4 sit in old carseat at home for sentimental value and use newer one. Determined not to fall into trap of buying new for the sake of it.

i had to buy a new car seat for dc3 as the old one broke. I'm glad i did as they have really improved. nice padding for the newborns back and the new one has a 5 point harness not a 3 point. I'd use your sisters as it's bound to be more up to date.