Knowing the lifespan of your baby’s car seat is crucial for their safety. Car accidents are a major cause of child fatalities, and an expired car seat may not provide adequate protection for your child. These products have expiration dates to ensure maximum safety and should not be ignored. This guide will inform you about how long car seats last in Canada, why they expire, and how to find the end date. You’ll also discover how to stay on top of recalls and other signs that it’s time for a new seat.
How the Law Affects Car Seat Expirations
In Canada, many car seat manufacturers set the expiration date, even if not legally required. These dates ensure that materials like plastic, fabric, and steel remain safe and effective. Over time, exposure to heat, cold, wear and tear can weaken materials making them unfit for use.
The government and the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) stress the importance of following expiration dates. Even if it looks fine, it may not be safe after the end date. It’s imperative to check the manufacture’s date and the seat’s expiration date, often found on a sticker or label.
Diono Tip: Write down the date your purchased your new car seat as that may be used later on to calculate the expiration date of your seat.
Keeping on Top of Expirations and Recalls
Staying aware of car seat expiration dates and recalls is extremely important for your child’s safety. Regularly check your child’s car seat for any recall notices. Websites like the CMVSS provide safety alerts and notices for child car seats. Click here to see Diono’s Safety Notices. Here are seven tips to help you stay on top of things:
1. Check the Expiration Date
Locate the expiration date on the sticker or label, usually found on the bottom or side of the seat. This date indicates when the materials, like plastic, fabric, and steel, may no longer be reliable. Avoid using a seat past its expiration date, as it might not provide sufficient protection for your child.
Diono Tip: The expiration date of Diono products is based on the purchase date if available, or the manufacturer date if the purchase date is unknown. Infant and booster car seats expire 8 years after purchasing or manufacturing date (whichever comes first), while convertible car seats expire after 10 years.
2. Register Your Product
Registering with the manufacturer directly gets you recall notices and car seat safety updates. This quick process can usually be done online, saving time and keeping you informed. Please click here to register your Diono product.
3. Visit Recall Websites
Visit recall-checking websites like CMVSS regularly for the latest information on safety recalls. These sites detail the recall and what steps to take if your product is affected. Bookmark these sites and set reminders to check them periodically.
4. Inspect Regularly
Inspect the car seat for wear and tear. Look for frayed straps, cracked plastic, or other signs of damage. These issues can compromise the safety of the seat. Checking every few months can catch problems early. Ensure to check the time frame for returning any defective products. Check out Diono’s return policy and warranty for more information on Diono products.
5. Check Second-Hand Items
Using second-hand, hand-me-downs, or expired car seats can be risky. Materials break down, and older models may miss new safety features. If considering a used car seat, verify its expiration date and check if it has been recalled. Avoid seats that have passed their expiry date or have missing parts. Ask for the history to ensure it hasn’t been involved in a severe car crash, which can affect its integrity.
Always check the manual and manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it meets safety standards.
6. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and use. Refer to the product manual for details on cleaning, installation, and usage. Following these instructions keep the seat safe and extends its life.
7. Consult Safety Technicians
Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) can help ensure your car seat meets safety standards. They can provide inspections and advice on proper installation and usage. Many local organizations and fire stations offer CPST services. Please call customer service if you need assistance finding a local CPST or want to connect with one our of resident CPSTs!
Other Things to Look Out for with Car Seats
1. Wear and Tear
Over time, materials like plastic, fabric, and steel can degrade. Check for cracks, frayed harness straps, and worn buckles. These signs of wear can compromise the seat's safety. Regular inspections ensure that everything remains in good condition. For warranty purposes, locate the serial number on the back of your equipment.
Diono Tip: Maintain your car seats safety and integrity by replacing parts that are old and worn to keep your seat looking and feeling new.
2. Past Involvement in a Crash
Transport Canada recommends that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe collision in order to ensure a continued high level of collision protection for child passengers. Transport Canada defines a minor crash as one in which all of the following apply:
- The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site,
- The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged,
- None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash,
- If the vehicle has air bags, the air bags did not deploy during the crash; and
- There is no visible damage to the car seat.
If the seat is in a moderate or severe crash, it may be unsafe even if there are no visible signs of damage. It’s important to replace any seat in a major accident. Always prioritize your child’s safety by ensuring the child restraint system is fully functional.
3. Proper Installation
Even the best seat is only effective if installed correctly. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Use the right installation method for your vehicle, either the seat belt or LATCH system. Consult a child passenger safety technician (CPST) if you need help.
4. Compatibility with Your Child’s Growth
Start with an infant car seat that matches your baby’s size and weight. As your child grows, transition from rear-facing to forward-facing, and eventually to a booster seat, as recommended. Ensuring the seat is the right fit at each stage keeps your child properly protected.
Taking these precautions helps safeguard your child’s health and wellness. Your child’s safety is the top priority. Regular checks and staying informed can provide peace of mind. If any concerns arise, consider upgrading to a new car seat model. Explore Diono’s latest collection of all-in-one convertible car seats to find the best option.
Explore Replacement Parts and Car Seat Covers
Part of keeping your car seat in the best condition means making sure you replace parts as needed – this includes a new cover as it gets used! Once your car seat cover gets old, the fabric can tear or the foam can compress making it not only uncomfortable for your child, but also can put the internal components at risk of exposure to both the elements and your child. To ensure the longevity of your car seat be sure to do frequent checks on your entire seat to see if anything needs to be replaced. Contact customer service if you have any questions about replacing parts on your car seat. Ready to upgrade? Explore Diono’s covers and replacement parts for the perfect fit.
Diono and CMVSS do not recommend using a car seat after the expiration date for your child’s safety. Following these tips and tricks will help you to know when your car seat is ready to be replaced and ensure your seat stays in the best condition for the entire lifespan of your car seat.
