· 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.
Share:
Shop clothes that makes your life easier
Let customers speak for us
Annie
Perfect
Toasty Car Seat Coat
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 😊
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Anonymous
Love this!
Cozy, soft and so convenient!
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Hannah B.
This product is amazing!
We just had our little one in June and had no idea how to keep her warm in her carseat once it started getting colder. This was the perfect solution and she absolutely loves how soft it is! We can also roll up the sleeves easily so she can get to her hands (which she suddenly must have access to at all times) and we love it so much. Thank you!
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Lisa D.
Car seat blanket
Bought for 6 mo old grandson. We will be traveling to Ireland in December and it will be used a lot on plane, in stroller. At home it will be used to go back and forth to day care for car seat to transfer back and forth to car. Quality of fabric a little lighter than I expected but will work.
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Esther G.
Great quality, great service
Shipping was super fast and the snowsuit feels like quality! I love the warm cuffs on the neck and sleeves. I got moonwalker so it can be gender nautral for future kids but it can pass as purple with certain lighting.
Infant Car Seat Snowsuits
Bonny M.
Great item
I’ve purchased 2 of these for baby shower gifts. One is headed to Colorado and the other my dear friend’s 38 year old daughter having her first.
Now I’ll be ordering more ! Just received more good news !
Everyone that sees them think it’s genius idea.
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Andrea K.
My 2nd coat as my child gets older!
I can't find another jacket on the market like this. It's so great that I can slap this jacket on my child and walk outside in the cold and know I don't need to get him out and in again in the car seat. Such a great thinking product! Great idea, better quality, and best customer service.
Toastier Car Seat Coats
Beverly C.
Buckle me blanket
I believe this is a great item to keep in the car for our children when it iscold
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Toni
I love it!
I got the pink plaid and it’s so soft and cute. The only, I wish it was thicker for those colder days. I will say, I used the blanket today, along with another small blanket, and it just proved how well it was designed. My daughter loves to kick the blanket off of her feet, and she did just that with the extra blanket. The Velcro strap on this blanket ensured the blanket wasn’t going anywhere.
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Kim E.
Excellent product!
Was very pleased with quality of product.
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Anonymous
Better than expected
I had the lightest version which was nice for all year, but with colder days coming I ordered this version and its better than expected. Definitely thick but not too heavy, well-made and baby loves it!
Buckle Me Baby Cozier Car Seat Blankie
Sheryl B.
Awesome Coverup!!
They are so soft and nicely made!
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Celia
Great coat
My son loves it! It looks great on him!
Toast Car Seat Coat
Reece
Great buy
This is my granddaughters 2nd coat. She grew out of the first. It's so convenient to use and keeps her warm. Great buy@
Toasty Car Seat Coat