Used car seat buying tips

You can save a lot of money on baby products when you buy a new one. However, when it comes to car seats, this is an area where you shouldn't jump on used cars so quickly. That's why you should consider buying a new seat over an old one and some tips if you are committed to buying second hand.

Why buy a new car seat is safer

The biggest reason to buy new is that all car seats have expired. Most people only have a life span of six years. After that, for the safety of your child, you should not use this seat again. If you buy a used car seat, chances are you will only get a seat for one to two years, even then. If you need to buy a seat before your child is ready to raise the seat, where is your savings?

Second, if you buy a seat from someone who doesn't have a trust relationship, you really can't determine the history of the seat. Why is seat history important? The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) recommends that any seat involving a “moderate or severe” car accident should be replaced and not reused. If you can't know without any doubt what kind of pressure the car seat is under, you should not use this seat.

Third, if you are responsible for the use of the car seat you previously owned, you should ensure that you have all the parts and manuals by ensuring that the seat is not recalled, and that you need to use the seat correctly. If you are not willing to go through these efforts, don't buy second-hand.

Finally, consider hidden transportation costs. Especially on sites like ebay, you may be charged for shipping when you can go to a local store to buy a new affordable home. There are even a few car seat online stores that offer free shipping.

Tips for buying used car seats

If you are sure that you want to buy a used car seat, then you have to be selective when you pick it. Here are some insights:

• Don't be tempted by a typical expensive car seat, you will find this seat very cheap. A new affordable seat, hand down, better than a used brand name seat.
• Just buy a used car seat from someone you know, and you believe he will tell you the facts about the seat.
• Check the expiration date again (on the car seat). If it only has a production date, assume a standard car seat life, plus a 6-year production date to find out when it will expire or has expired.
• Register the car seat with the manufacturer.
• Make sure you have all the parts and manuals. You can usually download the online manual from the manufacturer's website.
• Carefully inspect the car seat shell and the EPS foam for cracks.
• Check harness.
• Once the seat is installed, take it to the car seat checkpoint and evaluate it by a certified child passenger safety technician.