You might be surprised to learn that child car seats have expiry dates. Unlike many consumer products where expiry is more about quality than safety, car seat expiry is a serious matter. An expired seat may not provide adequate protection in a crash, putting your child at risk.
This guide explains why car seats expire, how to find your seat's expiry date, and what to do when it's time to replace.
Why Do Car Seats Expire?
Car seats don't last forever for several important reasons:
Material Degradation
The plastic and foam components of car seats break down over time:
- Plastic becomes brittle: Exposure to temperature extremes in parked cars causes plastic to weaken
- Foam loses effectiveness: The energy-absorbing foam compresses and degrades
- UV damage: Sunlight breaks down materials, even through windows
- General wear: Years of installation, removal, and daily use takes its toll
Evolving Safety Standards
Child restraint technology improves continuously:
- New crash testing reveals better protection methods
- Safety standards are updated to reflect new research
- Newer seats incorporate lessons from real-world crashes
- Materials and designs improve over time
- Most booster seats: 6-10 years from manufacture date
- Infant capsules: Often 5-6 years
- Convertible seats: Typically 7-10 years
Always check your specific seat's label—manufacturers set their own expiry periods based on testing.
How to Find Your Seat's Expiry Date
Every Australian-approved car seat should have its expiry date or manufacture date clearly marked. Here's where to look:
Common Locations
- On the plastic shell: Usually stamped or moulded into the base or back
- On a label: Often on the side or bottom of the seat
- Near the compliance sticker: The AS/NZS 1754 label often includes manufacturing information
What You Might See
The expiry information may be shown as:
- "Do not use after [date]"
- "Expiry date: [date]"
- "Manufactured: [date]" with a "Use for X years" instruction
- A date stamp moulded into the plastic (e.g., "MFG 2020" or "03/2020")
If you can't find the date, check your instruction manual or contact the manufacturer with your seat's model number.
Key Takeaway
If you can't determine your seat's expiry date and can't obtain the information from the manufacturer, it's safest to replace the seat, especially if you're unsure of its age or history.
Other Reasons to Replace a Car Seat
Expiry isn't the only reason to replace a child restraint. Consider replacement if:
After Any Crash
If the seat has been in a vehicle during a crash, it should be replaced—even if the crash seemed minor and the seat shows no visible damage. The internal structure may be compromised in ways you can't see.
Some manufacturers allow continued use after very minor crashes (e.g., low-speed fender benders where airbags didn't deploy, the vehicle was drivable, and no one was injured). Check your manual, but when in doubt, replace.
Visible Damage
Replace if you notice:
- Cracks in the plastic shell
- Frayed harness straps or seatbelt guides
- Broken buckles or latches
- Bent or damaged ISOFIX connectors
- Significant wear or deterioration
Unknown History
If you've received a second-hand seat and can't verify:
- Whether it's been in a crash
- Its age and expiry date
- Whether all parts are present
- Its storage conditions
It's safer to buy new. The risk isn't worth the savings.
Recalls
Check if your seat has been recalled. The ACCC maintains a list of recalled products. If your seat has been recalled, follow the manufacturer's instructions—some recalls offer free repairs, while others require replacement.
It's tempting to keep using a seat that "looks fine" past its expiry. But the degradation happens at a molecular level—you can't see weakened plastic or compromised foam. In a crash, an expired seat may crack, shatter, or fail to absorb impact energy properly.
What to Do with an Expired Seat
When you retire a car seat, it's important to dispose of it properly so it can't be reused:
- Remove the cover: Take off the fabric cover
- Cut the harness straps: If applicable, cut through all straps
- Mark it clearly: Write "EXPIRED - DO NOT USE" on the shell in permanent marker
- Destroy key components: Some people drill holes through the base or crack the plastic
- Check local disposal options: Some councils have specific collection programs; otherwise, dispose of in general waste
Never donate, sell, or give away an expired car seat. Well-meaning recipients may use it without realising the danger.
How to Extend Your Seat's Useful Life
While you can't extend a seat past its expiry date, you can help it last until then:
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't leave seats in extremely hot or cold vehicles for extended periods if possible
- Use sunshades: Protect the seat from direct sunlight when parked
- Store properly: If removing the seat, store in a climate-controlled environment
- Clean gently: Use mild cleaners as recommended by the manufacturer
- Handle with care: Avoid dropping or rough handling during installation/removal
Planning for Replacement
Be proactive about car seat replacement:
Note the Expiry Date
When you buy a new seat, note the expiry date in your calendar or phone. Set a reminder a few months before so you can budget for a replacement.
Consider Seat Lifespan When Buying
If buying for a 4-year-old, a seat with a 10-year lifespan will last until they no longer need a booster. A seat with a 6-year lifespan may expire before they're ready to transition to an adult seatbelt.
Budget Accordingly
Child car seats are not a one-time expense. Factor in replacements when planning your family budget, especially if you have multiple children who'll use restraints for several more years.
Conclusion
Car seat expiry dates exist to protect your child. The materials that keep children safe degrade over time, and safety standards evolve. Using an expired seat means trusting your child's safety to equipment that may not perform as designed in a crash.
Check your seat's expiry date today, note it somewhere you'll remember, and plan for replacement before it expires. Your child's safety is worth far more than the cost of a new seat.