A car seat is safety equipment with a limited lifespan. Understanding how to find and interpret the expiration date ensures the seat can perform its intended function during a collision. Using an expired seat means relying on materials and technology that may no longer meet current safety expectations. This simple check is necessary for maintaining the highest level of protection for young passengers.
Where to Look for the Expiration Date
The most common location for the date information is on a sticker or label affixed to the car seat shell. This label is typically found on the side, back, or underneath the base of the seat, often near the model number and serial number. Manufacturers use durable labels, but it is important to check that the print has not faded or been damaged by cleaning chemicals or abrasion over time. If the seat has a separate base, such as with an infant carrier, both the seat and the base should be checked, as they may have different dates.
In addition to adhesive labels, many manufacturers permanently stamp or emboss the date directly into the plastic shell of the seat. This date is often found on the underside or the back of the seat. This molded date is usually the Date of Manufacture (DOM) and is a permanent reference point for the seat’s lifespan.
The instruction manual is another reliable source of information, as it always contains the Date of Manufacture and often specifies the seat’s total lifespan. If the physical labels on the seat are missing or illegible, the manual provides the necessary context for calculating the expiration. If the manual is lost, the manufacturer’s website or customer service department can provide the specific lifespan for a given model and serial number.
Decoding the Date Format
Finding a date on the car seat is only the first step, as it is necessary to determine if the number represents the Date of Manufacture (DOM) or the final expiration date. Many seats only list the DOM, which is the day the product was completed and packaged. The expiration date must then be calculated by adding the manufacturer’s specified lifespan to this DOM.
The lifespan of a car seat is not universal, typically ranging from six to ten years from the DOM, depending on the brand and the specific model. This lifespan is usually printed on a separate label or stamped into the plastic, often near the DOM, stating a phrase like, “Do not use after 7 years from date of manufacture.” It is necessary to consult the seat’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm the exact number of years for that particular model.
Date formats can vary widely, requiring careful attention to interpretation. Some seats use a straightforward numerical format, such as MM/DD/YYYY or YYYY/MM/DD. Other seats use a “clock” indicator, which is a circular stamp with arrows pointing to the month, day, and year of manufacture.
Some manufacturers simplify the process by printing the explicit “Do Not Use After” date, which is the final expiration date already calculated. If this date is present, no further calculation is needed. If there is any uncertainty about reading the date stamp or calculating the lifespan, contacting a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) can provide accurate guidance.
Why Car Seats Have an Expiration Date
Car seats have a defined lifespan primarily because the materials used in their construction degrade over time, compromising their ability to withstand crash forces. The plastic shell, which forms the structural foundation of the seat, can weaken due to exposure to temperature extremes inside a vehicle. Repeated cycles of intense heat in the summer and extreme cold in the winter cause the plastic polymers to expand and contract. This process leads to microscopic stress fractures that reduce the shell’s overall integrity and ability to perform in a crash.
The harness webbing and energy-absorbing foam also experience degradation over the years. Harness straps, typically made of synthetic fibers, are subjected to constant friction, cleaning, and exposure to sunlight, which can weaken the material’s tensile strength. Polyurethane foam, used for impact absorption and comfort, can break down and lose its ability to compress and rebound effectively after years of use.
Beyond material science, expiration dates account for the continuous evolution of safety standards and technology. Manufacturers periodically update their designs to meet new government regulations and incorporate advancements in crash protection. An older seat, even if structurally sound, may lack modern features or testing requirements that have since become standard. The expiration date ensures that consumers are using equipment that aligns with contemporary safety expectations and provides the highest level of protection.