[pampered_mom]

We bought ours before ds was born in the winter of 2004. I didn't think we'd need to worry about getting another one because we were "done" having babies, but I'm pregnant (oops) and will obviously need to have one for the baby. I prefer the bucket types b/c it seems we always have winter babies (which this one will be) and here in the midwest it makes it so much easier - no need for coats, etc.

I assume there is a point at which there becomes issues with the plastic breaking down and the seat would no longer be safe. We'd likely use it from birth sometime in nov/dec this year and then through ~9 mos or so. It seems that at that point my kids are too heavy to carry in the thing anymore and the weather is warmer so a convertible works better.

I'd like to avoid buying another "bucket" because I'll also need to buy the baby a convertible seat since dd will still be in hers for awhile. Is there an "expiration" date somewhere one the Graco seat that I can look for?

 

[nevaehsmommy]

Car seats expire 6 years after manufactor for the most part. So a seat bought in 2004 is coming up on the expire date.

Several seat will get you through baby to toddler and beyond

****Compass/ The first years True Fit 5-65 pound $180-200*****

Evenflo Triumph Advance 5-50 pounds $120-$150

Sunshine Kids Radian 5-65/80 pounds $220 +

Safety 1st 3-1 5-40/50 $130-170

Hope that helps. I am sure there are more but that a good start

 

[LittleBlessings]

All car seats have an expiry

 

[Wildwomyn]

There should be an exipiry date somewhere on the seat - I was given one from a friend (who I trust to be telling the truth about never being in an accident), who bought it in I think 2005. I had DP look for the date, and he found one which was what I estimated it to be from knowing it had a six-year life (i.e. likely to be well after our baby hits 20 lbs and needs a convertible).

 

[an_aurora]

Definitely check, since there is no guarantee you got a super recent DOM when you bought it. It will be on a sticker on the bottom or side of the seat. Some older Gracos have the sticker on the bottom, kind of hidden, next to where the tightening strap on a front-adjust seat goes.

 

[treehugginhippie]

I called Graco to find out before my DD2 was born. My Graco Snugride bought in 2004 expires at 5 yrs.

 

[nevaehsmommy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by treehugginhippie I called Graco to find out before my DD2 was born. My Graco Snugride bought in 2004 expires at 5 yrs.

Are you a 100 percent sure? If so my neice has been in a seat that is expired for a few months now. We though/ assumed it was a 6 year seat.....

 

[Ruthie's momma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by treehugginhippie I called Graco to find out before my DD2 was born. My Graco Snugride bought in 2004 expires at 5 yrs.

Great that you called! All car seats expire. With most brands of car seats, I like to follow a 5 year guideline. For me, it is about erring on the side of caution (which I tend to do with everything

) and it is just easier to remember.

I know that car seats can be expensive. But, I would toss a 2004 car seat. In my mind, virtually every other baby related purchase is optional (to some degree). While, a car seat purchase is not.

As nevaehsmommy suggested, you could always go with a convertible car seat. I prefer them, myself.

 

[mommy2two babes]

My graco seat has the expriry on the underside of the seat
My seat was bought Nov 04 and the expiry on it is Dec 2010

 

[JBaxter]

Gracos expire in december 6 yrs after manufacture. I am using the graco safeseat right now and I really like it.

 

[pampered_mom]

Thanks for the suggestions on where to find the label. I know that the plastic starts to break down, just wasn't sure where I should be looking.

: On the bottom of the seat it says "Do not use this seat after December 2010". The new babe will easily be out of the seat before then. I can focus on saving up my pennies for a convertible seat which will give me a year to do so.

That saves me from having to buy another infant carrier type seat which imo is an absolute must in the middle of winter with a new baby. Convertibles are nice, but I think it's much safer to go sans coat while still keeping baby warm.

Thanks!