For the safety of your child it is best to avoid used car seats. The only way that you should consider a used car seat is if you know the owner and can accurately determine the history and condition of the used car seat. If the seat has been in an accident it is likely not safe.

If the used car seat you are considering has been involved in an automobile accident then it has likely sustained damage. The challenge is that you can look at the seat and it will seem okay. Yet the seat has been damaged in was that you can not see. The strength of the materials has been weakened or there are very small stress fractures in the plastic. Running the risk of using a car seat that will fail when you need it most is not worth the risk if a lower price tag.

Another thing to be aware of with a used car seat is making sure all the accessories are their. If there are some missing they might be integral to the overall safety of the seat. It can be difficult to know what is missing and if you do know to locate the proper parts.

You might be tempted to consider buying a used car seat from eBay as the selection will be very large. But while many of the seats may be fine, how can you pick them out. Is it worth the risk?

The whole purpose of a car seat is to provide safety to your child in the event of an accident. This is the primary purpose of the seat. If you undermine the whole purpose of a car seat buy getting a used one where you have no idea of its history you are making a big mistake.

I would suggest buying a new car seat to every parent. A very safeĀ seat would be aĀ Britax car seats.Ā The safety of your child far outweighs the $20 you may save by getting a used car seat.

Car seats are like everything they can be stressed, weakened and broken. If your car seat of one you are considering buying has been involved in a car accident get a new one. Yes it costs some money to get another one but this sure is a much wiser move then risking a used one.

The bottom line is that you should avoid a used car seat if at all possible. A new seat has the best odds of providing you with a quality safety seat for your child. However if you really can not afford a new seat for you child the only other option would be buying one from someone you know and trust. Doing otherwise is knowingly putting your child at risk!

SAFETY BABY

There are many variables that will affect the outcome to this answer but here are some guidelines you can use.

Child safety seats are available in three different configurations. The three configurations are rear-facing, forward-facing and convertible all are safe products, simply different applications. A good illustration of a convertable car seat is the Britax Boulevard.

The rear-facing seat is best for infants under 20 pounds and 1 year old. Now, if your baby reaches 20 pounds before his/her birthday it is still best for them to remain in the rear-facing seat until at least 1 year old. Just be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Rear-facing seats are not to be used in the front seat of a car with passenger side air bags.

Once a child has out grown their rear-facing car seat it is time to transition or convert to the forward facing style. When shopping for forward-facing car seats for your child , the best choice is to have several harness points allowing the child to grow without having to replace the seat.

A wonderful example of a safe yet comfortable seat for you child is the Britax Companion car seat.

Is There Room In Your Vehicle?

Not all childrenā€™s car seat can be correctly installed in all seating positions of all vehicles. It is important that you read all the instructions about your new car seat. In general, a correctly installed child safety seat must not move more than 1 inch to either side or forward.

Will You Install the Seat Correctly? What About Proper Instilation?

Different child safety seats vary in design and features. The important thing is that both you and your child are comfortable with, and that you will correctly install and adjust for every ride.

The safest car seat for you is the one that fits in your automobile , is the correct size for your young one and is used properly every time. All safety seats manufactured in the United States have to meet with the same strict safety standards. Not all car seats are the sameĀ size, the Britax Companion infant seatĀ  is quite bulky and may not fit in all vehicles.

Be Careful Buying Used Car Seats

A child safety seat that has been involvedĀ  in an accident may have been damaged structurally that is not easy to see. Seats involved in a crash should be replaced. Auto insurance may cover the expense of a new child car seat.

It is best to use a new safety seat for your child. That is the only way you can know for sure that you have a safe seat.Should you know someone that is willing to sell you a used car seat , it is vital that you to get a full history of the seat from the previous owner(s). Other critical questions to ask are: Has the seat been involved in a crash? Has a recall been issued for the seat? Is the seat too old (more than 6 years)? Does the seat have all the necessary parts?

Use these guidelines to ensure that you get the best possible child seat for your precious one.

SAFETY BABY