Free Car Seat Safety Class - Marion County

 Yes, you typically need a new car seat after any moderate or severe accident, as the impact can compromise its safety even if there’s no visible damage. Always check the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines, as some recommend replacement even after minor accidents. 

 Yes, car seats do expire, usually 6 to 10 years after the manufacture date due to wear, changing safety standards, and potential degradation of materials. You can find the expiration date or manufacture date on a label on the seat, often on the bottom or back, and check your manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm 

 The safest car seat is one that fits your child’s age, weight, and height, installs correctly in your vehicle, and is used properly every time. Rather than focusing on brand, choose a car seat that meets federal safety standards and has high ease of use ratings from trusted sources like NHTSA. 

Your child is ready for a booster seat when they outgrow the height or weight limit of their forward-facing car seat, usually around age 4 and 40 pounds or more. They must also be able to sit properly with the seat belt positioned correctly across their chest and hips for the entire ride.

• Rear-facing infant seat: Best for newborns to about 12–18 months (or until they reach the height/weight limit).
• Convertible seat: Used rear facing for infants to toddlers (up to age 2–4), then forward facing for toddlers to preschoolers.
• All-in-one seat: Suitable from birth through booster age it transitions from rear facing to forward facing to booster.
• Forward-facing seat with harness: Best for children ages 2–5+, once they outgrow rear facing limits.
• Booster seat: For kids around 4–12 years old, until they are big enough for the adult seat belt alone (typically 4’9” tall).

 Used car seats can be okay only if you know the seat’s full history, it hasn’t been in a crash, isn’t expired, has all its parts and labels, and meets current safety standards. If any of that is uncertain, it’s safer to buy a new one.