How safe is a car seat that was made in 2000? It's a Cosco Eddie-Bauer?

Question

My mother-in-law borrowed this from a friend to use for when she is babysitting my daughter, who is 9 months old now and just grew out of her infant seat. When I went to install it for rear-facing, it seemed very unsafe to me. No matter how tight I made it, the seat still moved in all directions. It also lifts up very easily. After a lot of research, I couldn't find much about its safety. It had the restraint bar int he front and is a 3-point harness, whereas the one in my car and my mother's is a 5 point harness, Evenflo.

Answer 1

SOMEWHERE on the car seat is a sticker or a tag on the lining stating the safety standards,where and when that particular seat was made.if that seat conforms to the correct safety standards(i'm guessing australian standards)it wont matter if it is a 3 or 5 point harness.

as for it being unstable in rear-facing,make sure the strap goes around either side of the top (near the childs head)and not just pulled from the top and over to the anchor bolt.this will stop any lateral movement.and then with the cars seat belt it goes through the larger hole which runs behind the childs back(should be the one closer to the front seats)and this will pull the childs seat down into the cars rear seat and it should be perfectly stable N.B.HAVE A LOOK AND SEE IF THE CENTRE OF THE REAR  SEAT IS RAISED AS OPPOSED TO THE WINDOW SEATS this could also make the childs seat unstable.

Answer 2

That carseat is expired and needs to be destroyed. Carseats expire after 6 years.

You can get a Cosco Scenera at Walmart or Kmart for about $45.

Answer 3

Typically car seats have an "expiration" date of 6 years from date of manufacture. If you look on the bottom of the seat, there may be a stamp in the plastic that says "do not use after this date". It does not mean that the car seat suddenly goes bad at that time, but that new safety measures and guidelines have gone into effect by that time. You will want the safest, most up-to date restraint for your child. The buckles may be worn and the harness may be weakened with use.

You can call the manufacturer and give them the model # and date of manufacture and they can tell you how long the car seat is good for.

Personally, I would not use a car seat that is 8 years old, nor would I use one that old with a 3-point harness. Especially if it seems unsafe to you, go with your instinct. I would recommend a newer, safer seat. It sounds like that one may not be the best for you.

Answer 4

Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history.

Never use a car seat that

Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long they recommend using the seat.

Has any visible cracks on it.

Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.

Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat.

Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.

Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the Auto Safety Hot-line at 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236).

Also at (8) years old I would not take the chance,,,,,,,

Answer 5

Honestly, the regulations for child safety seats change from year to year, so a seat from 8 years ago is not going to be as safe as one you buy new today.  I wouldn't take the chance.