Posh Tots, Frugal Moms & Expired Carseats???

As a young mother of two young children I try and be frugal at all cost, but at what cost is to costly.A new carseat can range in price between about $400 and $60 and a used carseat can usually be found anywhere from FREE to $200. Many parents will flock to a used carseat that carries a specific name such as Britax or has features like Sunshine Kids to purchase it for their posh little tot for a fraction of the cost.However, are they really getting a bargain or is that bargain seat a costly mistake?

Did you know that carseats expire just like the milk you have in the fridge? You wouldn't give your child expired milk would you? Then check your child(ren)s carseat(s) and make sure they are not expired,If in fact they are expired don't sell them at your garage sale to some unknowledgable parent trying to save a few bucks and don't donate them to goodwill or a family service agencey because more than likely they will end up in a families vechicle. Expired carseats need to be destroyed, cut up the fabric and all seat straps and buckles leaving nothing but plastic for the garbage man because even if you throw that carseat away somebody may come across it at some point and try and make use of it.

Carseats expire 6 years after there manufacture date NOT the date you purchase the carseat. Carseats expire because like all things after time they start to wear down and after sitting in a hot/cold car for an extended period of time the plastic wears and after extended use the straps start to wear as well. An expiration date on a carseat is just that as in milk it is a WARNING to let you know it is risky to use or drink after this date throw it away and buy new.