So I've always heard that if a baby/toddler carseat has been in a crash, it shouldn't be used anymore. My niece has an 18 mo old son and is due with another one in November. My dad is trying to find a used one from a thrift store for the older one. This would be used for in my parents car only. I told him it's no longer safe and his response was "Oh that's b.s. what's going to happen to it anyway, it's made of plastic afterall" I told him the impact of the crash causes stress marks on the plastic and he told me I was being ridiculous. So I was wondering if anyone has any real life stories, whether related to you or not they'd like to share with me that ended in tragedy and I'll print them out and give to him. I also told him a seat isn't supposed to be older than seven years and I got the same response.
I told him it would be different if he knew the person who had it and they were the original owner and could attest it was never involved in a crash, but coming from a thrift store, you just never know. I know this is really none of my business but when it comes to a baby/toddler in the family, then I get concerned about their safety. Besides that, it's not like the my niece and her husband can't afford to buy brand new ones, my parents either for that matter. This is my nieces first child he would be buying a seat for and maybe she just doesn't know.
Now onto my next dumb grandpa question. Sorry but he just irks me sometimes.
NOT ONLY NO BUT HELL NO!!!!
You don't know what this car seat has been through!! There are cracks, stressors, etc. that you can't see with the naked eye...
I would only take a used car seat from someone I know personally - other than that - my child's safety is more important than saving money buying a used one...
no you are correct...tell you niece not to allow this...
Plastic deteriorates over time especially if it has been exposed heat and cold. After a certain amount of time, it is impossible to know how it would perform in a crash. The stress of a crash could cause the seat to crack and break.
In an accident, even if there is no visible damage the the force of the accident could cause micro fractures that could cause the seat to break in another accident. My husband and I have been in 2 accidents this year that totaled both of our cars. Both times the kids were in the car - no one was hurt. Both times car insurance covered replacement car seats - once the other driver's insurance and once our insurance. Insurance would not cover replacements if there wasn't a lot of proof that car seats are only safe for one accident.
If your dad doesn't want to spend a lot on a car seat, he can get a cosco scenera. It's very inexpensive and has a very good safety record. It would be a lot better than a used one where you don't know the history especially if was only used occasionally.
You are right and you told him the right things. I would gladly provide you my number so he can call me and argue with me over this. I work in auto insurance and handle auto claims every day. You would not believe the unfortunate things I hear because of a carseat that did not properly work. I wouldn't take a risk like this.
You are correct. I don't personally know anyone but then again, everyone I know is aware of the expiration dates and replace after a crash. You should be able to get some information online and/or at your local DMV or hospital. Thrift stores/consignments shops aren't supposed to sell used car seats for that reason.
I would probably mention it to your niece and see what she says. Also, maybe you could find one on Craig's list or something, which I know isn't much better than a thrift store in terms of trustworthiness, but it's worth a shot. I'd also ask your mom friends if they have any extras/old ones they want to get rid of, that way you would know the owner and you could pass it on to them.
First of all car seats have an expiration date so even if it was not involved in an accident it still may not be safe. Also, I was involved in a slight fender bender (rear ended) with my kids in the car. The other person's car insurance covered the cost of 2 new car seats.
Good Will and Purple Heart would not take my old car seats even though I knew they were not in an accident.
Definitely show him the information at the link Denise P posted.
And tell him if he doesn't have the money for a new one he can contact the local police station to obtain a brand new one✿
OK--this is something for which you can go to an authority and show him this:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/childrestraint...
