All car seats and baby capsules come with an expiry date. This ensures the car seat or baby capsule is still safe to use, as, after this date, it may no longer meet current Australian safety standards.
Why do car seats and baby capsules come with an expiry date?
Car seats and baby capsules are usually made from plastic or other synthetic materials. Over time, these materials can degrade and become less effective at protecting your child in the event of a car accident.
The recommended lifespan of a child car seat in Australia is currently 10 years, but some may expire earlier than expected, so it's better to be safe rather than sorry.
Why is an expiry date important?
The expiry date is also important because car seats and baby capsules can be recalled by the manufacturer if they are found to be unsafe. Recalls usually happen after a car seat or baby capsule has been involved in an accident, but sometimes they can be issued through manufacturing checks or even other customer feedback.
It's also important to remember that current car seat laws state it is illegal for children to travel in a seat that is not in date and correctly secured!
How can I check a seat's expiry date?
Usually, you can find the manufacture date on the underside of the seat.
You can also find out from the seat's information labelling whether that model has already been through a recall by visiting the manufacturer's website.
Why it's important to dispose of car seats responsibly
If your car seat or baby capsule has expired, because of the materials used in its manufacture, it's important to dispose of it safely.
You can take it to a local council recycling centre, or you may be able to return it to the store where you bought it from. Alternately, if you're in the Brisbane area, My Little Friends may be able to help, simply give us a call on 1300 955 535 for more information.
Summary
Car seats and baby capsules come with an expiry date for a few important reasons. Firstly, the materials used in their manufacture can degrade over time, making them less effective at protecting your child in the event of a car accident. Secondly, car seats and baby capsules can be recalled by the manufacturer if they are found to be unsafe.
If you need help with your child's car seat, either installing, adjusting, or a safety check to make sure everything is safe and secure, My Little Friends installers are QLD Blue Card holders and ACRI licensed & accredited, so call 1300 955 535 or get in touch via the contact form - we'd love to hear from you!