What do I do with my 4 year old, used infant car seat?

Question

I'm in the Bay Area, CA. Goodwill won't take it, the consignment shops won't take it! What are my options besides posting it under Craigslist for free or taking it to the dumps?

Answer 1

Trash it.  The new owner would have no way of being contacted about recalls and carseats are only good for about 7 years anyway as the sun and heat in a car can degrade them. You have no way of knowing how long someone else would use it and you would possibly be responsible for someone elses baby being hurt.

Answer 2

freecycle

Answer 3

The reason goodwill and others won't take them is because car seats do have expiration dates for their safety warranty and use.  ALSO they have no idea if the seat has ever been in an accident or used properly where there may or may not be damage makingt he seat unsafe to use.

Unfortunately they don't just take your word for it. You're either stuck with a car seat to kick around for life or you need to throw it out. If you throw it out, put it in a black bag like your trash and toss it.

Answer 4

Personally, I would never use a used car seat because you have no way of knowing if it has been in an accident (even small) or how old it is for sure.  I would recommend throwing it away.  I know it seems like a waste, but that is the safest thing to do.  Good luck :)

Answer 5

If it has all the pieces, including the manual, is less than 6 years old from the date of manufacture on the seat (not the purchase date), has never been in an accident, the straps have never been completely submerged, its never been checked as baggage on an airplane and never been dropped... I'd offer it on freecycle or craigslist, with a reminder as to when it will expire. If you get no takers, or just feel safer, call your recycling center to see if they'll take it or some of the piece sof it. Or yes, you can throw it away. If you decide it belongs in the trash, put it in a trash bag that you can't see thru, otherwise someone will pick it up when you put it at the curb.