how old a car seat can walmart sell

[LeRichard]

Walmart can only sell car seats that are within their manufacturer's expiration date, which is typically 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. They are prohibited by their own corporate policy and often by state law from selling any car seat that has expired. This policy is in place because the plastic and other materials in a car seat can degrade over time, especially with exposure to heat and sunlight, potentially compromising its structural integrity and safety in a crash.

The exact expiration date is set by the manufacturer and is usually stamped on the plastic shell of the seat or printed on a label. This date is not arbitrary; it is based on rigorous testing for material durability and the lifecycle of the product. Selling an expired seat is a significant safety risk.

To ensure compliance, Walmart's inventory systems are designed to pull expired products from shelves. However, as a consumer, it's always wise to double-check the manufacture date yourself before purchasing. You can find this date on a sticker or molded directly into the plastic. If you cannot find a date, or if the seat is from a garage sale or secondhand store without a clear history, it is safest not to use it.

Car Seat Brand	Typical Expiration Period (Years)	Common Location of Date Stamp
Graco	6-10	On a sticker on the side or back of the seat
Britax	6-10	Molded into the plastic shell on the back or bottom
Evenflo	6-10	On a label attached to the seat's frame
Chicco	6-10	Printed on a sticker or molded into the plastic
Safety 1st	6-10	On a label on the back or bottom of the seat

Ultimately, the safety of your child is the priority. While Walmart's policy prevents them from knowingly selling an expired seat, always perform your own visual inspection to confirm the seat is well within its usable life.

[JohnLee]

As a mom of three, my rule is simple: never use a car seat you don't know the history of, and always check the date. Walmart follows this same principle. They won't sell you an old seat. The plastic gets brittle over the years, like a kid's toy left in the sun. I look for the stamped date on the back or bottom. If it's even close to six years old, I pick a different one. It's just not a risk worth taking.

[LeAugust]

From a retail standpoint, it's a hard stop. Our systems are programmed to flag any product past its manufacturer-set expiration date, and car seats are no exception. We pull them from inventory automatically. It's a liability issue and a core part of our safety commitment. We can't sell what we wouldn't recommend for our own families. The policy is clear and strictly enforced to ensure every car seat on our shelves is safe for use.