Used Car Seats - Frequently Asked Questions Is it safe to use a used car seat?
Follow this checklist to find out if a used car seat or booster seat is safe to use. 1. Make sure the car seat or booster seat still has its instruction booklet. Do not use it if it is missing parts.
 Every new seat comes with an instruction booklet. The instruction booklet tells you how to install the seat. It also lists all the parts that the seat should have. If the used car seat or booster seat is missing its instruction booklet, call the company that made the seat for a new copy. You can find a list of these companies and their telephone numbers here [insert link]. If you cannot get a new copy, you should not use the seat. 2. Check the date when the car seat or booster seat was made. Do not use it if it is past its expiry date.
 The date it was made is printed right on the car seat or booster seat. You may also find an expiry date printed right on the seat or in the instruction booklet. But if you can't find an expiry date, call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371 for more information or visit:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/notices/TP14563C/2007c10/menu.htm Once a car seat or booster seat reaches its expiry date the plastics begin to break down. It is not safe to use a car seat or booster seat once it is past its expiry date.
3. Do not use a car seat or booster seat that has been in a crash.
Do not use the seat even if your child was not in it when the crash happened. You cannot always tell if a seat was in a crash just by looking at it. If someone offers to sell, lend, or give you a used car seat or booster seat, make sure you know the history of that seat. If you do not know that the seat has not been in a crash, do not use it. 4. Make sure the seat meets Canadian safety standards.
 Car seats and booster seats made in Canada come with a round sticker with a maple leaf on it. Look for this sticker on the plastic shell of the seat. This sticker means that the seat meets safety standards. Do not use a seat that was made in the U.S. or other countries. It has not been tested to meet Canadian safety standards. 5. Make sure the seat fits your child's height, weight, and age.
Measure and weigh your child. Check the height and weight limits of the seat. Your child must be within the height and weight limits. Your child's age also is an important guide when choosing the right seat. 6. Check that the car seat or booster seat has not been recalled.
When a seat is recalled it means there is a problem with the seat and it needs to be fixed or replaced. The company that made the seat sends out a recall notice telling parents how to get the seat fixed or replaced. A registration card comes with a new seat when you buy it. It is very important to fill it out and send it in. If you do not send in the registration card, the company that made the seat will not be able to contact you if there is a problem. A used car seat will not have a registration card. You can also find recall notices on Transport Canada's website at www.tc.gc.ca . How should I throw away a seat that is too old to use or that has been in a crash? - Cut off the harness straps
- Remove all the padding
- Damage the seat so that no one else will be able to use it
You may be able to recycle the plastic shell of the car seat or booster seat. |