Buying a brand new car seat can be expensive, especially if you have more than one kid, or when you have recently had twins or triplets. In such cases, parents often consider the option of going for a used car seat for their baby or babies. There are certain tips which you should keep in mind when buying a used car seat for your child.
1 - Find out about the seats history – This is the first thing which you should ask or try to find out about the car seat which you are planning to buy. A good thing is to always ask the seller why they are selling the baby car seat, and how long they have been using it. If you know an acquaintance who knows the seller, find out through them if the car seat has ever been in an accident.
Baby car seats which have already been in an accident will not be able to provide you the expected security which you will need for your child in case an accident happened.
2 - Get a used seat through a trusted resource – Always try to buy a car seat through a trusted resource, like from a close relative or friend, where you know that the car seat has never been in any accident. This way you will know where the car seat was actually bought from, and which supplier to contact in case something happened to the car seat while still in guarantee. It will also make it easy for you to buy any extra accessories for the baby car seat.
3 - Check all labels and stickers – All baby car seats come with labels which have the manufacturing date, model name and number along with its expiry date. Do not buy a car seat with damaged or removed labels as you will never be able to know about the manufacturer of the car seat or its expiry date.
4 - Check the seat’s expiry date – Every baby car seat has an expiry date and seats older than 10 years should never be used, even if the seat is brand new. Seats which are past their due date should not be used, as they would never be tested for latest vehicle safety standards and you will only be risking your own child’s safety.
5 - Check for recall listings – Manufacturers may recall baby car seats manufactured between certain dates due to a technical fault or safety lapse. Such seats have to be returned to the manufacturer for repair or correction before they are used again. If you are buying a used car, make sure that it has met any recalled listing if any and is secure enough to carry your child.
6 - Make sure the seat comes with its instructions manual – All baby car seats come with an instructions manual and you should make sure that the car seat which you are planning to buy also has an instructions manual. If the owner has been careless enough to get rid of the instructions manual, chances are that they may have misused the car seat. An instructions manual with the baby car seat will help you install the seat correctly in place, and you will also be able to follow instructions of how to strap your child in place.
7 - Check for any breakage or tearing – Make sure you test the seat and check it for any signs of wear and tear or breakage before you buy it. Testing the seat by actually putting your child in it can be a good idea, as you will know how to use the seat properly. It will also give you an idea if the harnesses are lose or broken or if the recline angle of the seat is working properly or not.
8 - Make sure you go for the right sized car seat – Never save a few pennies by going for a smaller or larger car seat than what is actually required by your child. Some parents may be “forced” to buy the wrong car seat, because that is the only one available in good shape. If a car seat does not properly meet your child’s physical requirements, do not buy it, even is it is in excellent condition as it will not provide protection to your child.
Although you should do your best to buy a new car seat for your child, following the above listed tips can help you choose a used car seat which is in good shape for your child. This will ensure your child’s safety and also give you peace of mind.