can car seats be sold second hand

[McDante]

Yes, you can sell a car seat secondhand, but it is a decision that requires significant caution and strict adherence to safety guidelines. The primary concern is ensuring the seat has never been in a vehicle during a moderate or severe crash and has a clear history you can verify. Selling an expired or compromised car seat can put another child at serious risk.

The most critical factor is the seat's history. Car seats are designed to withstand the immense forces of a single crash. After that, their structural integrity can be compromised, even if there's no visible damage. Manufacturers and safety organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend replacing a car seat after any moderate or severe accident. Furthermore, all car seats have an expiration date, typically six to ten years from the date of manufacture, printed on a sticker on the shell. The plastics and materials degrade over time, making them less effective in a collision.

If you decide to sell, you must be transparent. Provide the make, model, manufacture date, and expiration date. Assure the buyer it has never been in an accident. Thoroughly clean all straps and covers according to the manufacturer's instructions, as harsh chemicals can weaken the harness. The best practice, however, is to explore alternatives to selling. Many big-box stores hold trade-in events where you can discount a new seat, and the old one is responsibly recycled, preventing it from being used again unsafely.

Key Safety Consideration	Why It Matters	Recommended Action
Accident History	Structural integrity is compromised after a moderate/severe crash.	Do not sell or use a seat that has been in a crash.
Expiration Date	Plastics degrade, reducing crash protection (typically 6-10 years).	Check the label on the seat's shell and disclose the date.
Recall Status	The seat may have a known safety defect.	Check recalls on NHTSA.gov before selling.
Visible Damage	Cracks, frayed straps, or missing parts render the seat unsafe.	Fully inspect the seat; if damaged, recycle it.
Complete Instruction Manual	Critical for correct installation, which is key to safety.	Include the original manual or a downloadable version.

[PeytonFitz]

I'd be really careful. We just traded in our old infant seat during a Target event. You get a coupon, and they destroy the seat so no one else uses it. The peace of mind is worth more than the twenty bucks you might get from a stranger online. You just can't know for sure if someone will install it correctly or if it's been in a minor fender bender they've forgotten about. It’s not worth the risk to a child.