Active and family / Black Friday Baby gear: The Department Guide
Black Friday Car Seats: What to Check Before You Buy
Shopping for car seats this Black Friday? What to check first: seat stages, safety labels, expiry dates and fit, with live listings to compare.
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A car seat has to suit your child’s size and fit your vehicle. Read the manual for the exact model, check the date label, register the seat, and never buy one with unknown history. Compare what is in the box and the return terms.
Fit comes first: child and vehicle
Seats are made in stages for different sizes of child, and some convert from one stage to the next. Read the listing to see the size range the maker states, and match it to your child now, not what they might grow into. Then think about your car. Seat shape, back seat width and belt position all affect how well a seat installs, so check the maker’s notes on vehicle fit.
If more than one seat has to share a back seat, think about the combined width before you order.
Car Seats to compare
Live listings, shown by eBay
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Labels, manual and expiry date
Every car seat should come with a manual and labels on the seat itself. The manual explains how to install and use the seat correctly, so read it from start to finish. Look for the date label on the seat, which tells you how long the maker intends the seat to be used. A seat past that date should not be used.
Never buy a seat with unknown history
This is the most important rule for used seats. A seat that has been in a crash, stored badly or repaired may not protect a child as designed, and damage is not always visible. If the seller cannot tell you where it has been, do not buy it. A seat from a friend or family member whose history you know is a different matter, but you should still check the labels, parts and date.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Labels | Present and readable |
| Manual | Included, matches the model |
| Parts | Harness, buckle, pads and base all there |
| Date label | Within its stated life |
| History | Known, with no crash |
Ease of daily use
Think about how the seat will work every day. Is the harness easy to adjust? Can you remove the cover to wash it? Does the seat have a bubble or indicator that helps you install it? A seat that is easy to use is easier to use correctly.
Registering the seat
Once the seat arrives, register it with the maker so they can reach you about any recalls or safety notices. Keep the manual in the car or with the seat.
Buying online
Check that the model name and photos match the maker’s own product page. Read the seller’s feedback and the return policy, and confirm that the seat is sold new and sealed if that is what the listing says.
More in the baby gear department.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a used car seat?
Only if you know its full history. Avoid any seat with an unknown past, and check that the labels, manual and all parts are present.
Where do I find the expiry date?
Look for the date label on the seat, usually on the shell or base, and check the manual for what it means.
Should I register my car seat?
Yes, registering with the maker means they can contact you if there is a recall or safety notice.
Found in the Black Friday Baby gear: The Department Guide department.