Car seat expiration dates

Suzie Kim, Santa Monica Police Dept, explains what the usual expiration date is for the different types of car seats and why it is important for parents to know the expiration date on their child's car seat
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Car seat expiration dates

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Most parents aren't aware that their car seat actually has an expiration date, and that expiration date is listed on the hard plastic shell in your car seat. Typically with an infant car seat, it's good for 5 to 6 years; depending on the maker and you can check that just to make sure; so it's generally good for two children. With the bigger convertible seats, those last 7 to 8 years and you just need to check and make sure that your car seat hasn't expired. The reason we have an expiration date on them is that the manufacturers have determined that the plastic actually degrades over time, especially on the infant seats where you are taking them in and out of the vehicle. It is important to make sure that you are within those expiration dates.

Suzie Kim, Santa Monica Police Dept, explains what the usual expiration date is for the different types of car seats and why it is important for parents to know the expiration date on their child's car seat

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Suzie Kim

Crime Prevention, Santa Monica Police Dept.

Suzie Kim has spent more than five years teaching parents and caregivers how to safely install their car seat systems.  Suzie and her partner hold monthly car seat inspection events at the Santa Monica Police Department, providing education on the proper use and installation of the various types of car seats as well as sharing information on seat belts, air bags, and the proper time to switch car seat systems. She tries to fit in as many appointments as possible and has assisted parents/caregivers with over 1,500 car seat installations! Suzie has been with the Santa Monica Police Department for 14 years working in Crime Prevention and Community Relations. She serves on the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, YMCA Early Childhood Development Board, and as an Explorer Advisor for the Santa Monica Police Department. In her free time Suzie enjoys spending time with her four sons, swimming, travelling, and other outdoor adventures.

Car Seats, Car Seats, Car Seats
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Transcription: 
Most parents aren't aware that their car seat actually has an expiration date, and that expiration date is listed on the hard plastic shell in your car seat. Typically with an infant car seat, it's good for 5 to 6 years; depending on the maker and you can check that just to make sure; so it's generally good for two children. With the bigger convertible seats, those last 7 to 8 years and you just need to check and make sure that your car seat hasn't expired. The reason we have an expiration date on them is that the manufacturers have determined that the plastic actually degrades over time, especially on the infant seats where you are taking them in and out of the vehicle. It is important to make sure that you are within those expiration dates.