The expiration date on a car seat is typically located on a sticker or molded directly into the plastic. The most common places to check are on the back of the seat, the underside, or on the sides. All car seats have an expiration date—usually 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture—because the plastic and other materials degrade over time, compromising safety in a crash.
The primary reason for this expiration is material fatigue. The plastics, foams, and webbing that make up a car seat are constantly subjected to temperature extremes, sunlight (UV radiation), and general wear and tear. This degradation can make the materials brittle and less able to absorb crash forces effectively. Furthermore, safety standards and technology improve over time, making older seats less safe than newer models.
Here are the most common locations for the expiration date sticker or imprint:
| Common Location | What to Look For |
|---|
| Back of the Seat | A white or yellow sticker on the rear shell, often visible when the seat is installed. |
| Underside of the Seat | Flip the seat over; the sticker or molding is frequently on the bottom plastic base. |
| Side of the Seat | Check along the sides, near the harness adjustment straps or headrest area. |
| On the Harness Straps | Some models have manufacturing dates on the straps themselves, but the main expiration is on the shell. |
| In the Owner's Manual | The manual will always state the expiration period and where to find the date on the seat. |
If you cannot find the date, check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service with the model name and number. Never use a car seat if you cannot confirm its expiration date. Using an expired seat is a significant safety risk, as its performance in an accident is no longer guaranteed.
