The 5-point checklist before you buy a second-hand car seat
A used car seat can be a smart buy or a serious risk. Here are the exact checks the regulator says to make first.
Why car seats are the exception
Most baby gear is a safe second-hand buy. Car seats are the one category where you have to be genuinely careful, because a seat that looks perfect can be compromised in ways you can't see. The good news: the checks are simple and the regulator spells them out.
The five checks
1. It has not been in a crash
This is the big one. A car seat that has been through a moderate-to-severe crash should never be reused, because the structure can be weakened invisibly. If you can't be certain of the seat's full history, don't buy it. Both the ACCC and Kidsafe NSW are firm on this.
2. It is not too old
As a best-practice rule, don't use a seat more than ten years old. The manufacture date is moulded into the plastic or printed on a label. Some manufacturers set a shorter limit, so check theirs too. This is a strong recommendation rather than a law, but it exists for good reason.
3. It has not been recalled
Check the model against the ACCC Product Safety recalls database before you buy. It takes a minute and rules out a known-faulty seat.
4. It meets the Australian standard
Child car seats sold in Australia must meet AS/NZS 1754. Look for the standards mark. Seats bought overseas that don't carry it aren't legal for use here.
5. Nothing is damaged or missing
Check the harness, buckle, shell and padding. Make sure it comes with its instructions and all its parts. Frayed straps, cracks or a dodgy buckle are all reasons to walk away.
When in doubt, buy new
If you can't verify the history of a used seat, this is the one item where buying new is worth it. For everything else, second-hand is the smart choice.
References
The ten-year guide is a best-practice recommendation; AS/NZS 1754 is the mandatory standard for child restraints sold in Australia.
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Car seats aside, most baby gear is a safe and sensible second-hand buy. See what other families are passing on.
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