where to find car seat expiration date

[MacRuby]

You can typically find a car seat's expiration date printed on a sticker or molded directly into the plastic on the seat itself. The most common locations are on the back, the bottom, or the sides of the seat. Look for a label with the wording "Do not use after," "Manufactured on," or "Expiration date." The expiration is usually six to ten years from the manufacture date.

Car seats have an expiration date primarily due to material degradation. The plastics and energy-absorbing foams can become brittle and less effective over time due to exposure to temperature extremes, sunlight, and general wear and tear. Safety standards also evolve, making older models less protective. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends strictly adhering to these dates to ensure maximum safety for your child.

Common Car Seat Brand	Typical Expiration Period (Years)	Common Date Location
Graco	6 - 10	On the back or bottom shell
Britax	6 - 10	Molded into the plastic on the back
Chicco	6 - 8	On a sticker on the side or base
Evenflo	6 - 10	On the back or bottom of the seat
Maxi-Cosi	6 - 8	On a label under the cover or on the shell
Clek	9	Embossed on the back of the shell
Diono	6 - 10	On a sticker on the side or bottom
Safety 1st	6 - 8	On the back or bottom of the seat

If you've checked all visible surfaces and still can't find it, consult your seat's instruction manual, which will have a diagram. You can also visit the manufacturer's website and search using your seat's model name and number, which should also be on a sticker. If the label is faded or missing, it's safest to contact the manufacturer's customer service directly with your model information. Never use a car seat if you cannot confirm its expiration date.

[RhettLynn]

Check the back and bottom of the seat first. There’s almost always a sticker or something stamped right into the plastic with the date. I had to do this when we had our second kid and pulled the old seat out of the attic. The date was right on the bottom, clear as day. It’s super important because that plastic gets weak after years of sitting in a hot car. If you can’t find it, just toss the manual and look up your seat model online. The manufacturer’s website will tell you.

[SamuelDella]

As an auto detailer who sees hundreds of car seats, I always check the expiration for my clients. The date is often molded into the plastic on the backside of the seat shell, near where the harness straps adjust. I see many seats that are years past their date. The materials degrade from UV exposure and cleaning chemicals, compromising safety. It's a non-negotiable check. If the label is worn off from cleaning, err on the side of caution and replace the seat.