Like so many other things we come into contact with, car seats have an expiration date - including Graco car seats.
It's important to know that date for the safety of the children using these seats.
The expiration shouldn't be an issue when using a new car seat for a child though.
Depending on the specific seat, most car seats last six to ten years from when they're manufactured so plenty of use can be had from a car seat.
There are a lot of questions surrounding car seat expiration: How long will a car seat last? Why do car seats expire? What do I do with an expired car seat?
While these questions may seem overwhelming as you learn all about car seat safety, each one has simple answers.
What Do Car Seat Expiration Dates Mean?
A lot of people don't know that car seats can expire so it's reasonable to have a list questions surrounding the what the dates mean and why they exist in the first place.
The expiration date is there to provide a guideline as to how long the seat can reasonably be used and still be considered safe.
While there are incidents that may shorten the life of your car seat such as an accident, the date is there to ensure that a car seat is only being used during the optimal times.
Car seats won't magically go bad on the exact date of expiration. However, the date is how long you can reasonably expect the car seat to last.
A lot of the factors that make a car seat expire can't be controlled so you can't just will a car seat to last longer and it's never the best idea to continue using an expired car seat passed the expiration date regardless of how well it was cared for.
You can take proper care of the car seat to ensure that you get the full usage period out of it though.
We used Graco's website to bring you the most updated information about expiration.
Why Do Car Seats Expire?
Car seats experience wear and tear just like any other piece of baby gear you use:
All of these factors can cause micro cracks that you won't even be able to see and render the car seat unsafe for use.
Standards for car seat safety are also always improving.
These mean that newer seats being released have stricter standards for minimum safety and usually have a stronger construction.
While they may not look very different, newer seats have passed more rigorous safety testing.
Car seats also aren't safety tested as to how long they'll last.
They are tested for what the companies consider to be reasonable use.
Many infant seats are tested for about six years of use so they will last through multiple children worth of use if properly cared for and modern convertible car seats are usually tested for 10-12 years of use.
Graco Expiration Dates & Where to Find Expiration Date on Graco Car Seat
Your car seat will have a sticker with useful information including the date it was manufactured. Knowing the lifespan of your car seat is important so you know the date of expiration.
Depending on the model, Graco car seats typically last from seven to ten years.
A majority of the Graco infant car seats expire seven years after the date of manufacturing.
Most of the convertible car seats expire ten years after the date of manufacturing. There are exceptions to both rules so be sure to check your exact model.
If you aren't sure about the exact lifespan of your car seat, check the table below or take a look at the manual that came with your specific car seat.
Your car seat won't be stamped with its expiration date so make sure not to remove the sticker containing the date it was manufactured and keep in mind how many years the car seat is considered good after the fact.
Here is a table that includes Graco infant car seat expiration dates and owners manuals.
model | expiration date | expiration date location | manual |
|---|---|---|---|
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 XT Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | ||
SnugRide® SnugLock™ Extend2Fit® 35 Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 30 | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Platinum XT Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® Click Connect™ 35 Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 DLX Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Platinum Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® Click Connect™ 30 Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® Click Connect™ 35 LX Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® 35 LX with Safety Surround™ Protection | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® Click Connect™ 30 LX Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® 35 Elite Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Elite Infant Car Seat featuring Safety Surround™ | 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look for date of manufacture label on back of the car seat. Infant car seats made prior to 2011 have an expiration date 6 years from manufactured date. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ Extend2Fit® 35 LX | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 LX featuring TrueShield Technology | Most Graco car seats have either seven (7) or ten (10) year expiration dates. Review date printed on this model. | Review user manual for label placement. | N/A |
SnugRide® SnugLock® 35 LX featuring 1-Hand Adjust | Most Graco car seats have either seven (7) or ten (10) year expiration dates. Review date printed on this model. | Review user manual for label placement. | N/A |
SnugRide® SnugFit 35 | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat |
Here is a table that includes Graco convertible car seat expiration dates and owners manuals.
model | expiration date | expiration date location | manual |
|---|---|---|---|
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
4Ever® Extend2Fit® 4-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
4Ever® 4-in-1 Car Seat featuring TrueShield Technology | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
4Ever® Extend2Fit® Platinum 4-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Extend2Fit® Platinum Convertible Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Sequence™ 65 Platinum Convertible Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
Recline N' Ride™ 3-in-1 Car Seat featuring On the Go Recline | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
SnugRide® 35 Elite Infant Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | ||
Sequel 65 Convertible Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Head Wise™ 65 Car Seat with Safety Surround™ Protection | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
4Ever™ 4-in-1 Car Seat featuring Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Extend2Fit® 3-in-1 Car Seat featuring TrueShield Technology | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Extend2Fit® Convertible Car Seat featuring RapidRemove™ | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Ready Ride™ Convertible Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
My Ride™ 65 Convertible Car Seat with Safety Surround™ Protection | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Milestone™ All-in-One Car Seat featuring Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
ComfortSport™ Convertible Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Classic Ride® 50 Convertible Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
MySize™ 65 Convertible Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
4Ever® DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
Admiral 65 Convertible Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat | |
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of car seat |
Here is a table that includes Graco booster car seat expiration dates and owners manuals.
model | expiration date | expiration date location | manual |
|---|---|---|---|
TurboBooster® Backless Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
AFFIX™ Youth Booster Car Seat with Latch System | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on bottom of booster | |
10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | ||
TurboBooster® Highback Booster Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
AFFIX™ Backless Booster Seat with Latch System | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® LX Backless Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Atlas™ 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus® SnugLock® LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® TakeAlong™ Backless Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Tranzitions™ 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® TakeAlong™ Highback Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ 65 LX featuring TrueShield™ Technology | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® Elite Booster Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® LX Highback Booster featuring TrueShield Technology | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat with Safety Surround™ Protection | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus® SnugLock® DLX 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® LX Highback Booster with Latch System | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
TurboBooster® LX Highback Booster featuring Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Highback TurboBooster® Car Seat with Safety Surround™ | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ PLUS 3-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
AFFIX™ Youth Booster Seat with Safety Surround™ and Latch System | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat with Safety Surround™ Protection | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Argos™ 65 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Argos™ 80 Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Wayz™ 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ 80 Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster | |
Nautilus™ 3-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Label on back of booster |
What to Do with Your Graco Car Seat When It Expires
An expired car seat isn't much help to anyone so you may be wondering what the best thing to do with a car seat that's past its expiration date.
There are a few options as to what you can do with the car seat. Make sure that a new, up to date car seat is purchased if needed first.
Then find a safe way to recycle or dispose of the old car seat so no one tries to pick up or use the expired car seat.
Donate The Used Seat
Donating the seat means that it may just get tossed if it's already passed the expiration date or it may get donated go to someone who is truly in need and unable to procure a more reliable seat.
If the seat is far passed the expiration date or has been involved in even a minor accident, this may not be the best option.
Car seat donations should be limited to seats that are in good condition and have yet to reach their expiration date.
Not all agencies that take in donations are knowledgeable about car seat safety or their expiration dates so you don't want to keep potentially unsafe seats in circulation.
Buy a New Graco Car Seat
If you still have kids who need a car seat, it's time to upgrade your Graco to a newer model.
Your new seat will have more up to date safety features that will give you a lot more peace of mind than the old expired seat.
Even if you're particularly fond of the current Graco seat that you have, the newer model of it likely won't seem much different to you but it will be much safer for your little one.
There's a variety of Graco car seats to choose from whether you're looking for an infant car seat, convertible car seat, or a booster seat.
Trade-In Events
Some stores will offer trade-in events.
These events will take car seats in any condition and properly dispose of them. In return, you usually get a coupon that can help you buy a new Graco car seat or other baby items that you may need.
Trade-in events only happen a couple times a year so be sure to look out for them if you're interested.
Car seat trade-in events tend to be extremely popular because it's an easy way to get your expired car seat properly taken care of and you'll get a discount on a new one.
Do your trade-in a little early if you know you're going to take advantage of the promotion because it's hard to say when the next event will be.
Car Seat Recycling
Some states have specific recycling programs that allow you to properly dispose of the car seat without having to worry about it just sitting in another landfill.
Check to see if your state offers a car seat recycling program and what the guidelines are. Many general recycling programs won't just take your car seat.
Look up how to dismantle the seat in order to recycle as much of the car seat as possible.
All padding will have to be removed regardless of where the car seat is recycled.
It's also recommended that you label the plastic as 'expired' or 'unsafe' to ensure that no one tries to use any of the recycled pieces of your old car seat.
If you aren't sure of exactly how to recycle an expired car seat, find someone to help or do it for you.
Even if you finish using the car seat before the expiration date, it isn't recommended to buy or sell used car seats.
It's hard to know the history of a car seat that you didn't use and even the most minor accident can compromise the safety of a car seat.
Unless in an emergency situation, try to avoid second hand car seats if at all possible.
Car seat expiration dates ensure that your child is always using a safe and up to date seat.
The good news is that your car seat will last quite a while so it's not something that you'll have to regularly worry about.
All Graco car seats have a lifespan of at least seven years at this time so it's unlikely that they'll have to be replaced unless they're being used for multiple children.
Graco car seats do have a long lifespan so be sure that you are diligent about the expiration date and don't accidentally driving around with your child in a potentially compromised car seat.
Keep all the kids in your life riding safely with the appropriate up to date car seats.
How to Check Expiration Date on your Infant Car Seat
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
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