Let’s face it, babies are expensive.  How anything less than two feet long could need so much gear is truly amazing.  As a new parent you learn quickly to pinch pennies where possible from generic diapers to Cousin Sally’s hand-me-down clothes.  But safety is one area where pinching pennies may cost something far more valuable, your child’s well-being.  Used car seats can be a risky gamble and may not be worth the money they cost or save you.

Where Has Your Seat Been?

The problem with buying a used seat or even receiving a free seat is not knowing the seat’s history.  Has your seat been involved in a car accident?  Was it routinely stored in extreme heat or cold?  How old is the seat and was this model ever recalled for safety reasons?  There are many questions you’ll require answers for and not knowing could put your child in danger.  A car seat previously involved in a moderate to severe accident may not hold up in another crash, however mild.  The materials on an older seat exposed to severe temperatures may weaken. 

Know the Criteria! 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends knowing a seat’s history before making a purchase.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if the seat was in a minor accident with no airbag deployment and the car was able to be driven away as well as there being no damage to the door nearest the car seat or injuries then the seat may still be viable if there is no visible damage.  The AAP also advises NOT buying seats older than 6 years, those with visible cracks or missing information manuals and model number/manufacture information.  And you should always use the model information to see if that seat has been part of a safety recall.

Buy New and Still Save!

If your budget is tight and a car seat is a necessity, there are still was to save money without scrimping on safety.  Look for discontinued models which have not been recalled but are just being discounted because new models have been put on the market.  Plan ahead and you will find many stores offer great coupons, rebates or sales at certain times of the year.

The chief goal of a car seat is to protect your child in a traffic accident.   Given this fact you should choose wisely before investing in one and, if possible, buy new.  If you must buy a used car seat then make sure to use the above information before selecting one.