When Do Car Seats Expire? What Parents Need to Know

When Do Car Seats Expire? What Parents Need to Know 

Car seats play a critical role in keeping your child safe on the road—but they’re not 
designed to last forever. Every seat comes with an expiration date, and understanding why that matters can help ensure you’re using the safest, most reliable protection for your 
child. Below, we explain why car seats expire, how to find your seat’s expiration date, and 
what to do when your seat reaches its expiration.

Why Do Car Seats Expire?

Over time, safety regulations are updated and new research and testing drives 
advancements in crash protection. Additionally, labels and instructions may be lost, 
illegible or no longer available from the manufacturer. Car seat components may also be 
exposed to different environmental factors, like food, drinks, dirt and debris, cleaners and 
other contaminants which may negatively impact the car seat’s effectiveness. 

Using a car seat past its expiration date means you may be relying on outdated safety 
technology or a product that could have missing or deteriorated parts. 

How Long Are Car Seats Good For?

Each car seat manufacturer sets their own guidance for car seat useful life. In general, 
expiration dates may vary from 4 years up to 10 or 12 years. Most expiration dates are 
determined by looking at the manufacture date, which can be found on a label on the car 
seat. However, some brands may allow you to calculate the expiration date based on the 
date of purchase. 

Check your child’s car seat for a label or manual section that states something similar to: 

“DO NOT use this car seat after [month/day/year]” 

or 

“DO NOT use this car seat ___ years after the date of manufacture.” 

At Evenflo, all of our car seats and booster seats now have a 10 year expiration from the 
date of manufacture. Evenflo expiration dates are included on a label on the product, along with the model name, model number and date of manufacture. If you own an Evenflo seat manufactured before January 2025 it may have a different expiration date. Follow the date on the seat you own.

How to Find Your Car Seat’s Expiration Date 

Every Evenflo car seat has a Date of Manufacture (DOM) printed on a label—usually on the bottom, side, or back of the seat. Here’s an example of Evenflo’s label: 

Is It Safe to Buy a Used Car Seat? 

It can be tempting to save money with a secondhand car seat, but experts strongly 
recommend avoiding used car seats unless you can verify their complete history. At a 
minimum, you should be able to confirm the following: 

• The car seat has never been in any type of crash. 
• The car seat has been washed and maintained according to manufacturer 
instructions. 
• All parts, pads, and labels are present. 
• The car seat has not expired. 
• It has the original manual. 

Can I Use My Older Child’s Car Seat for a New Baby?

Reusing your existing car seat for a younger sibling can be safe—as long as the car seat: 

• Has not expired. 
• Has all original parts. 
• Has no cracks, missing pieces, or frayed straps. 
• Has clean, intact labels. 

If anything appears damaged or worn, it’s time for a replacement. 

What Should I Do With an Expired Car Seat?

Once a car seat reaches its expiration date, it should be taken out of use. To make sure no 
one else attempts to use it: 

• Remove the fabric cover. 
• Cut the harness straps. 
• Mark the seat with a permanent message or label: “EXPIRED — DO NOT USE” label. 
• Place it in a large trash bag. 
• Recycle it if your local program accepts car seats, or dispose of it through regular 
waste services. 

Before you dispose of your current seat, choose a new car seat that fits your child’s current height, weight, and age. 

Don’t Forget to Register Your Car Seat

Your product registration provides the car seat manufacturer with a way to contact you in 
the event of a product recall. This information cannot be used for marketing or other 
commercial purposes – so you will not be added to a mailing list. You will only be contacted in the event that your registered product has been recalled. There are two easy ways to register your product. You can fill out the registration card that is attached to your car seat, or complete a form on the manufacturer’s website. 

If you have an Evenflo car seat, you can register your products on our website: 

• Register US Car Seats + Travel Systems 
• Register Canada Car Seats 
• Register All Other Products 

Registration only takes a minute and helps keep your child safer. 

Still Have Car Seat Expiration Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re unsure how to check your Evenflo car seat’s useful life or need help choosing the 
right replacement, contact our ParentLink Consumer Care team! Please call 1-800-233-
5921 (US) or 1-937-773-3971 (Canada), Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM EST. You can also email parentlink@evenflo.com. We are happy to help you navigate car seat safety and car seat expiration questions with confidence.