The best places to sell a used car seat are online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, or specialized parenting gear resale sites like Goodbuy Gear. These platforms connect you directly with local buyers or a national audience looking for affordable options. However, selling a used car seat comes with critical safety responsibilities that you must address to ensure the product is safe for the next child.
Before you list it, your first step is a thorough inspection. Check for a clearly visible expiration date, usually molded into the plastic on the back or bottom. Most manufacturers recommend replacing car seats after 6-10 years because materials degrade. You must also check for any recall announcements on the manufacturer’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site. Be honest about the seat's history; if it was involved in a moderate or severe car crash, it should be disposed of, not sold, as its structural integrity may be compromised.
Selling locally is often easiest because shipping a bulky car seat can be expensive. When meeting a buyer, be prepared to show them the expiration date and explain the seat's history. For a wider reach, dedicated resale sites handle the logistics but may take a commission. If the seat is expired, damaged, or from an unknown history, the safest option is to recycle it. Many big-box stores like Target host car seat trade-in events periodically, giving you a discount on a new purchase while ensuring the old seat is properly recycled.
| Platform | Typical Audience | Key Consideration | Best For |
|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | Local, budget-conscious parents | Easy to arrange meet-ups; cash transactions. | Quick, local sales. |
| Craigslist | Local buyers | Wider audience but requires more caution with strangers. | Those comfortable with local sales. |
| Goodbuy Gear / OfferUp | National, parents seeking specific brands | They often require safety checks; handle shipping. | Higher-end brands; convenience. |
| Local Consignment Shops | Community parents | Shop inspects and prices the item for you. | Supporting local business. |
| eBay | National, collectors of rare patterns | Shipping costs can be high; competitive bidding possible. | Unique, discontinued models. |
