Used Car Seat Evaluation Guide for CPSTs
CPSTs frequently encounter caregivers using used car seats. These seats may come from relatives, friends, thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces. While some used seats are safe to continue using, others have unknown histories or damage that makes them unsafe. Your role is to evaluate the seat, educate the caregiver, and document your findings. You are not certifying that the seat is safe.
Can a Used Car Seat Be Safe?
A used car seat is safe if it has a complete known history, all original parts, no expiration, and has never been in a crash. If any of these conditions are unknown or missing, it should not be used.
However, it is ultimately up to the caregiver to decide if they will use it or not. It's up to you to educate them and document as well.
Quick Used Car Seat Evaluation Checklist
- Expiration date verified
- No recalls
- Never involved in a crash
- No cracks in the foam or plastic
- Harness intact
- No missing pieces
- All labels present
- Cleaned using manufacturer guidelines only
Step 1: Verify the Seat's Identity
Locate the manufacturer, mode, date of manufacture and serial number. You can find these on a white rectangular sticker on the seat. These will be needed when you check for recalls and the expiration date. If the sticker with this information is missing, you will not be able to check those two things and it would not be recommended to use this seat.
Step 2: Check the Expiration Date
Some manufacturers add the expiration date to the white, rectangular sticker. Others will add only the manufacture date and have how many years it can be used in the manual's first few pages. If the caregiver does not have a physical copy of the manual, most of them can be found online. If the seat is expired or you cannot determine when it expires, recommend against using the seat. For reasons why car seats expire, head to this post.
Step 3: Look for Recalls
Recalls can be issued by either NHTSA or the manufacturer themselves. You can check for recalls using this link.
Some recalls require replacement parts, while others require the seat to stop being used immediately.
The recall list notes the model numbers and manufacture dates for the affected seats. It also lets you know the reason for the recall and what needs to be done to fix the issue. Encourage the caregiver to register their car seat whether or not you find an active recall. If you do find a recall that says the seat should not be used, make sure the caregivers understands the why.
Step 4: Determine Crash History
If the caregiver does not know the person who owned the seat prior to them, the crash history will be unknown. This will be the case if the seat was obtained from a thrift store, consignment sale, or from the side of the road. Online sellers of used seats may not be truthful about the crash history as well.
f the seat has been in a crash, review the manufacturer's replacement policy before making a recommendation. If the crash history is unknown, recommend against continued use because the seat's structural integrity cannot be verified.
Step 5: Inspect the Car Seat
Inspect the shell and harness carefully before discussing the seat with the caregiver.
Look for:
- Broken EPS/EPP foam
- Cracks in the plastic
- Frayed harness webbing
- Broken recline mechanisms
- Buckles
- Chest clip
- Harness splitter plate
- Harness slots
If you spot any damage, encourage the caregiver to reach out to the manufacturer to ask if the parts can be replaced.
Step 6: Verify All Parts Are Present
Use the manual to verify that all parts are present. All car seat manuals should have a visual diagram that shows and names all of the parts that come with the seat.
These may include:
- Infant inserts
- Cup holders
- Harness pads
- Lock-offs
If any required pieces are missing, encourage the caregiver to reach out to the manufacturer to ask if the parts can be replaced or if the seat can safely be used without those pieces.
Step 7: Check Labels and Instructions
Missing labels can be an issue since they contain a lot of information like model number, date of manufacture, weight and height limits, and FAA approval. Some of the information can be found in the manual, but typically the only place to find the date of manufacture and the model number will be on the seat itself or on the registration card that came with the seat.
Step 8: Evaluate Cleaning and Condition
There are some products that can never be used on car seat parts because they can damage integral pieces like the harness or foam. If the harness has ever been washed with anything besides a water-based wipe or a damp wash cloth, the caregiver needs to contact the manufacturer to verify if the seat is safe to use. Also check for damage from mold, rodents, chemicals, or animals. Because mold requires harsh chemicals to kill it, it's generally impossible to remove it from a car seat. But the caregiver can always reach out to the manufacturer to verify this.
When Should a Used Car Seat Be Rejected?
- Unknown history
- Expired
- Open recall that has not been fixed
- Missing labels
- Missing structural parts
- Cracks
- Damaged harness
- Caregiver modifications (harness sewed together, caregiver made cover, erc)
- Unknown parts have been added
- Evidence of a crash
Used Car Seat: Go or No Go Chart
You can use this quick chart to help parents understand when a used car seat can be used.
Question 1: Is the expiration date known and current?
- NO (unknown or expired) → STOP. Do not use.
- YES → Continue
Question 2: Has it been in a crash?
- YES or UNKNOWN → Do not use
- NO → Continue
Question 3: Are there visible cracks, damage, or missing parts?
- YES → Do not use
- NO → Continue
Question 4: Are all labels and identification present?
- NO → Cannot verify recalls. Do not use.
- YES → Continue
Question 5: Does it have an open, unresolved recall?
- YES → Do not use (or only if repair is available)
- NO → It can be used
Specific Scenarios
Here are specific scenarios you might encounter when meeting with caregivers during a car seat check.
It smells like mold or mildew.
Mold cannot be reliably removed from car seats. Recommend against the caregiver using the seat.
Script: "Mold is a health concern that won't fully disappear since no harsh chemicals can be used on car seats. For your child's health and safety, I'd recommend replacing it."
It's from a thrift store or Facebook Marketplace.
The history of the seat is completely unknown. Recommend against the caregiver using the seat.
Script: "Since we can't verify this has never been in a crash and aren't sure how it has been handled, I can't recommend it."
All looks good, but the expiration date is worn off.
If you can find the model number on the seat, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the expiration date. If that is also worn off, there isn't a way to verify the expiration. If the expiration date cannot be determined, recommend against the caregiver using the seat.
Script: "Since we can't verify if the seat is expired or not, I do not recommend using it."
It's from a close family member, has all documentation, looks clean, and was never in a crash.
The history is known and verified and all parts are present and in working order.
Script: "This seat looks great and I don't see any concerns. Just note that it expires [date], so plan to replace it then."
What to Say: Scripts for CPSTs
Here are some scripts to help you start hard discussions with caregivers about used car seats that may not be suitable for use.
When you find damage and need to recommend replacement:
"I found [specific issue]. Here's why it matters: [brief explanation]. I can't recommend using it, but let me share some affordable options."
When a caregiver wants to use it anyway:
"I understand budget is tight. My job is to give you accurate information so you can make the best decision. Here's what I found, and here's what that means for safety."
You can also offer to help them find local organizations that give car seats out for low fee or no cost. We have a list of budget seat options here.
When history is unknown:
"Since we can't verify this hasn't been in a crash, there might be damage we can't see. Crashes can cause hidden structural problems. For peace of mind, I'd recommend replacing it."
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequently asked questions that we have heard from caregivers and CPSTs about used car seats.
Is it safe to buy a used car seat?
It can be if the history of the seat is known aka you are buying it from a close friend or family member.
Can CPSTs approve a used car seat?
No. You can look it over and check for any glaring issues, but you cannot guarantee that it's safe to use.
What if the caregiver insists on using a used seat I don't recommend?
You document that on your digital or paper check form.
Can I use a seat with unknown crash history?
It's certainly not recommended. But it's also not illegal.
Are expired car seats dangerous?
An expired car seat should not be used because the manufacturer no longer supports its performance beyond its stated service life.
The issue is that we don't know if they are safe or dangerous to use past the expiration date. If a caregiver arrives with an expired seat and no immediate replacement is available, provide education about the risks, discuss available resources for obtaining a replacement, document your recommendations, and follow your local program's policies. Find out more about why car seats expire here.
Can replacement parts be ordered?
In some cases, replacement parts can be ordered from the car seat manufacturer. They should not be obtained from anywhere else.
Can I wash the harness?
Unless the car seat manufacturer says otherwise, the harness can only be washed with a water-based wipe or a damp wash cloth. It can never go in the washing machine or be fully submerged in water.
Are aftermarket accessories allowed?
In most cases, aftermarket accessories are not allowed. Exceptions would be if the manufacturer makes the item and says it can be used with the seats or if a manufacturer says in the manual that a vehicle seat protector or towel may be used under the seat.
Final Takeaway
A CPST can only provide education and recommendations based on manufacturer instructions and best practices. They cannot certify if a used seat is safe to use. Regardless of the caregiver's final decision, document your recommendations and any concerns according to your organization's procedures.
