· By Britney Schroeder
Is It Safe to Use a Used or Hand-Me-Down Car Seat?
Car seats can be expensive. Getting a more expensive car seat for less on Facebook Marketplace may seem like a good deal. But is it safe to use a second hand car seat?
It’s only safe to use a second hand car seat if:
- You know the full history of the car seat
- It’s not expired
- It’s not recalled (or the recall issue was fixed)
- It hasn’t been in a crash
- It has all the inserts, parts, and pieces you’ll need
What Makes A Car Seat Unsafe To Reuse?
Car seats are safety devices. They have to be in good working order to protect your child in a crash. It's not safe to use a car seat if it's expired, recalled, has already been in a crash, or is missing important parts/pieces. It might not work the way it’s supposed to in to protect your child in a crash.
It’s safer to buy a brand new, but less expensive, car seat than to use a second hand seat with an unknown history!
How To Check Expiration And Recalls
You can find expiration information on a stamp or sticker on the car seat itself or in the car seat manual. If you can’t find the expiration date, can call the manufacturer and they will tell you when that car seat expires.
To check for recalls, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your car seat’s brand name and model name. If the car seat is recalled, the NHTSA webpage will give you information about the recall and how to get it fixed.
Safer Alternatives If Money Is Tight
If a new car seat isn’t in your budget, here are some other options to consider:
- Getting a second hand seat from a family member or close friend can be a better option than getting one from a stranger on Facebook Marketplace. You’ll know more about the history of the car seat and how it was cared for.
- Some cities/counties have programs that provide car seats to families in need. Your child’s pediatrician may be able to connect you with local resources to get you the car seat you need.
We all love a good deal, but if a car seat price looks too good to be true - it probably is! Car seats on Temu often don’t meet US standards and are not safe to use. The same goes for “too good to be true” listings on Amazon.
With prices of everything getting higher, make sure that you’re saving money in a safe way. Best practice is to get a brand new car seat. If that’s not in your budget, a second hand seat from someone you know and trust might be a good option. Just make sure it’s not expired, not recalled, has never been in a crash, and has all the parts and pieces you need.
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Fransheska
Safest jacket for kids
I ordered a green toastier coat for my 1 year old. Now when I did receive it that there was a tear in the jacket. But customer service made it simple in easy to file a claim to receive another one which was great. I had 1 already for my son but it became to small. I love these coats though they make it easy to just buckle your child without removing the coat. As well it gives me the peace of mind knowing he is sitting safely in his car seat. Definitely would recommend and be riding another once this one get too small again.
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K.H.
A great way to save & give back!
Made upgrading a breeze!
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Heather
Great coat for toddler
Love our car seat coat. This is our second year ordering and will be coming back again next year. Perfect for bringing kids out without having to take their coats on and off in the cold.
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Amy G.
Great product
This product is great. I was thinking about a coat for my grandson that he could wear in his car seat, and I was told about the Buckle Me Coats. It works great and keeps him warm.
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Roxann B.
Awesome
It's a Christmas gift for my granddaughter 😁
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Cheyenne B.
Definitely recommend
This is amazing I love how it soft and keeps her warm and cozy in her car seat. It easy covers over the car seat buckle and I love the plaid cover
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Althea O.
Warm, convenient and love it
I work at the Turnpike and I get sick of seeing babies drug and just pajamas cause people don’t wanna waste time putting a coat on them. This is wonderful because I can wrap a baby in it. They’re still warm.
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Madeline P.
Car seat coat
We live this jacket. It’s so convenient and comfortable for our little guy
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Jama L.
Amazing!
This is absolutely amazing.. kept our granddaughter toasty warm on a cold night kicking off the Christmas holiday in Tennessee!
Buckle Me Baby Cozier Car Seat Blankie
Crystal G.
Warm
I was worried about how to keep my baby warm during the cold months in Ohio. I personally can warm up my car first but my sister cannot. I stumbled upon these coats and went back and forth. I bought a poncho and two other coats before I caved. I feel so much better that she is warm and safe in her car seat. I rarely write reviews, but this company offers 20% off for a review so if that tells you anything, I’ll be buying another one for next year-I wanted the discount.
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Dev
Soft and warm
Just got the buckle me baby blanket the other day. It’s super soft and warm. I look forward to using it in the car seat and stroller to keep my little monster warm. I think I’m going to order a coat for her as well for those extra cold days!
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Shaina
We love these coats!
We’ve always loved these coats first my daughter now for my son. They make buckling with a coat so much easier and safer and my kids are always warm!
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Stacey
I have ordered two of these coats for my daughter over the years and have now ordered one for my infant. It's so nice to know they're warm and safe!
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Annie
Perfect
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Happy G.
Grammy
Got this for my granddaughter. It is so soft and she loves it. Such convenient protection getting her in and out of the car. Recommended it to several of my "Grandma" friends 😊
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