Car seats in Canada are generally considered safe for use for 6 to 10 years from their date of manufacture. This isn't a law, but a manufacturer's recommendation based on material degradation. The most critical step is to locate the expiration date stamped directly on the plastic shell of the seat or in the manual. Using a seat past this date can be dangerous, as plastics become brittle and safety standards evolve.
The primary reason for this expiration is the degradation of materials over time. The plastics and foam that absorb crash forces can weaken due to temperature fluctuations, exposure to sunlight, and general wear and tear. An expired seat may not perform as designed in a collision. Furthermore, safety technology and regulations improve constantly; a seat from a decade ago likely lacks the advanced side-impact protection or easier installation systems of modern models.
If you're using a second-hand seat, you must be absolutely certain of its full history. Never use a seat that has been in even a minor accident, as its structural integrity could be compromised. Check for any visible cracks in the plastic, frayed harness straps, or missing parts. When your seat expires, the safest practice is to render it unusable by cutting the harness straps and taking it to a recycling facility that accepts large plastics, preventing someone else from potentially using an unsafe seat.
| Car Seat Brand | Typical Expiration Range (Years) | Where to Find the Date |
|---|
| Graco | 6 - 10 | On a sticker or molded into the plastic shell |
| Britax | 7 - 10 | Label on the side or base of the seat |
| Evenflo | 6 - 8 | Imprinted on the seat's structure |
| Chicco | 6 - 7 | Sticker on the bottom or back of the seat |
| Safety 1st | 6 - 8 | Molded into the plastic or on a label |
| Clek | 7 - 9 | Embossed on the back or bottom of the seat shell |
| Diono | 7 - 10 | Sticker on the side or bottom of the seat |
| Maxi-Cosi | 6 - 8 | Printed on a label attached to the seat |
