Car seat expiration dates... huh???

Ok, so after buying a new car seat for our 3 year old last week I see it has an expiration date on it. The first thing that went through my head was, "say what???" It's not like it is gonna get moldy after a few weeks like cheese after all, so I did some digging. It turns out that the car seat expiration dates are a bunch of crap. I hate to say this, but car seat manufacturers are doing this to drive more sales, in spite of stating otherwise.

Read this article from the NY times in 2005. It tells the truth behind the myth. Yes, car seats should be replaced somewhat regularly, but not for the reasons you might think.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/11/business/11shortcuts.ready.html?ex=12761424...

It turns out that the primary motivators for the expiration dates are changes in technology and the fact that manufacturers stop testing seats after a certain age. This DOES NOT mean that the car seat is unsafe because it is over 6 years old. The plastics used have a lifespan of at least 10 years. "It's not as if you'll hit the expiration date and the plastic will become weak," he said. "The plastic is good for at least 10 years. But regulations and standards are constantly changing."

So, before you toss that car seat because of a fictitious expiration date, check it over for condition and use your own judgment. What a concept!