When To Buy A New Car Seat May 2026

Car seats aren't "buy once, use forever." They typically expire after the date of manufacture.

You may not need to replace it after a "minor" crash if: The vehicle was driven away from the crash. The door nearest the car seat was undamaged. No occupants were injured. The airbags did not deploy. There is no visible damage to the car seat. Pro-Tip: The "Hand-Me-Down" Check

If you are considering a used seat, only accept it if you the previous owner to give you an honest crash history and you can verify the seat hasn't been part of a recall. when to buy a new car seat

Do you have a for your child right now that you're trying to size for?

Buying a new car seat is a major milestone, but it’s often driven by safety requirements rather than just "sizing up." 1. The "Inch" Rule (Outgrowing the Current Seat) Car seats aren't "buy once, use forever

It’s time to switch to a convertible seat when the top of your baby's head is within 1 inch of the top of the car seat shell.

Safety experts and most manufacturers recommend replacing a seat after any . No occupants were injured

Switch to a booster when their shoulders are above the highest harness slot or their ears reach the top of the seat headrest. 2. The Expiration Date