child car seat expiration

Expiration date on car seats?

Where can you find the expiration date? How long are they usually good for? Does this mean that if I buy a travel system now, I will not be able to use it again for my next child (about four or five years down the road)?
And do all car seats have an expiration date?

The reason that car seats expire is because compounds in plastic do break down over time, and safety standards change. What I would do is find a travel system that is pretty basic, that you could be pretty sure would still be in use in a few years. Then, you will probably only have to buy a new car seat, rather than both a car seat and stroller.

Car seat safety is a big deal; if there is anything that should be new with each child, this is it.

Experts Stress Caution When Buying Used Car Seats
Summer garage sales are great for bargain hunting. But be careful about buying that previously owned child car seat. Many say it’s not worth the risk.