All About Seats


Used, Expired and Crashed Seats:

Used seats: How do you know if a used seat is ok to use? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Do I know the history of the seat? A seat that comes from a best friend or family member is a very different thing than a seat that is purchased at a garage sale – the history of the seat is available. If the history of the seat is unknown, do not use it.
  2. Has the seat ever been in a crash? If it has, discard and do not use.
  3. Is the seat within its expiration date? (Usually 6 years from date of manufacture – check your owner’s manual for information on your seat.) If it’s not, it’s time for a new seat.
  4. Does the seat have all of its parts? The owner’s manual will have a listing of all parts. If you are missing any and can pass the first three steps, call the manufacturer for replacement parts.


Remember, you are, TRUSTING this seat with the LIFE OF YOUR CHILD!

If in doubt, swap it out! Call (877) 783-0432 - Toll Free for help!

Expired seats: Sometimes expired seats are seen at our fitting stations and inspections. When talking with parents and care givers, we frequently hear “I don’t believe that I need a new one – it’s just marketing on behalf of the manufacturer in order to get me to buy another. “ This is simply not true – seats have good reasons for their expiration dates.

Car seats live in extreme environments, the very hot and very cold of a car. These temperature swings cause the plastic, over time, to become brittle and fail which can cause the harness to pull through the shell of the car seat and eject the child.

If your seat is expired, STOP!!! DO NOT USE IT!
Call (877) 783-0432 for help.



Child Restraint Re-use After Minor Crashes

NHTSA Position
  • NHTSA recommends that child safety seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.
  • NHTSA recommends that child safety seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.
  • Minor crashes are those that meet ALL of the following criteria:
    • The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;
    • The vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged;
    • There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;
    • The air bags (if present) did not deploy; AND
    • There is no visible damage to the safety seat
new hampshire office of highway safety
dartmouth health children's
new hampshire office of highway safety
children's hospital at dartmouth-hitchcock
safe kids new hampshire
safe kids new hampshire