When Does A Baby Car Seat Expire And Does It Really Matter?
Yes, it does matter! You might not always have someone to hold your baby for you when you travel in a car. It is implied that they are incapable of handling themselves and therefore need specialized seats. These baby seats do go by car seat laws so that they can be installed legally in cars with considerable safety. These laws must be followed along with specific industry standards to ensure that only top-quality products exist in the market.
No matter how good any car seat is, there is a point after which every product starts to deteriorate. The question arises whether car seats have an expiration date or not. The question is essential because every product that comes close concerning babies must be safe and sound for their use.
What Are Baby Seats Made Up Of?
Baby car seats are made just as other car seats are; other than that; they are generally smaller and more comfortable. Babies are given more cushioning by using styrofoam or other poly fibers. It is done to ensure that the journey does not turn out to be uncomfortable. Cotton is also a common material that the seat consists of. Cotton not only makes the chair more breathable but also adds to comfort.
When it comes to straps and belts, they are usually made from solid fibers. They might be given gentle padding so as to avoid unnecessary strain on your baby’s skin. The straps and belts firmly hold the frame of the body in place. These fibers are generally very sturdy and will not break down even if they are put through wet and dry conditions simultaneously. Sometimes, plastics are used to make up the additional components of the seat so as to reduce the overall cost and improve durability.
How And When Do Baby Car Seats Expire?
Baby seats take quite a long time to expire on their own. Expiry dates for consumer durables are generated on the basis of various important factors. These factors essentially include elements like obsolescence. Eventually, in time, whatever products are manufactured they get replaced by the latest technology and advanced products. The same happens in the case of baby seats. Safety first car seat expiration is not an alien concept, and almost all manufacturers are deemed to provide the end time of use from their seats. It is done owing to safety protocols and standards. The most common duration for which they are deemed to be in working condition if used properly is about seven to eight years.
The question of how long a Graco car seat lasts arises when you are already using one or if you are looking to purchase one for your personal or commercial use. As stated earlier, a seat usually expires after eight years of consistent use. It is not recommended to use it beyond that. However, certain parameters might accelerate the rate at which these seats depreciate. Washing seats too often and drying them with hot, dry air or even drying them in direct sunlight may cause the materials to break down faster. Spilling of liquids and food items is common, especially when babies are supposed to use these seats. Although manufacturers keep note of such parameters, it still might turn out that the fabric on your seat has turned brittle faster.
The breaking down of materials takes place when there is exceptional stress put on them. Repeated expansions and contractions do not preserve the seat. Even without other spillage or spoilage, seats will still have human contact along with inevitable dust particles. These pollutants damage the life of your baby’s car seat. They even pull Cosco car seats expiry dates closer.
Safety Regulations
Every kid’s safety seat has an expiration date. Although this might vary by manufacturer, seats can lose their validity after six years from the time of manufacturing. Expiration dates are hotly contested, with supporters and manufacturers arguing that they are necessary due to evolving laws and regulations and that older car seats may deteriorate over time and become less effective.
