| A concerned mother recently asked. "My friend's | | | | an auto accident which can cause the seat to be |
| children are all grown and she has an old car seat that | | | | defective. |
| she has given me. But I'm wondering if it is ok to use | | | | 2.) Always look on the label for the date the seat was |
| this seat with my child? Is my friend really doing me a | | | | made. Many manufacturers recommend car seats |
| huge favor?" | | | | only be used five to six years and absolutely do not |
| Experts would say absolutely not. The following are | | | | use after ten years. Older car seats may have visible |
| some important safety tips that are very crucial when | | | | cracks which may lead to unsafe situations. If the car |
| considering a child safety seat. | | | | seat does not have a label with a model number and |
| 1.) You should always avoid using a used car seat | | | | manufactured date you have no way of knowing if |
| (even if it's in great shape). There are many factors | | | | the seat has been recalled. If you seat does not have |
| that make the seat safe. First of all; every year new | | | | an owners manual or instructions you may be using it |
| safety ratings rank car seats. Some other factors | | | | incorrectly. |
| include child’s size, weight and height of a child | | | | Not only is it the law to have your child in a car seat |
| and whether or not it's an infant that needs an extra | | | | but you are helping yourself. Parents that try to drive |
| head rest. | | | | while holding their child are usually so distracted that |
| Car seats that come from yard sales or consignment | | | | they are putting more than just their own life and their |
| shops may also have a bad history that you might | | | | children's lives at risk you are risking the life of all the |
| never know. Absolutely never use a car seat that has | | | | other drives on the road. Car seats can become pricy |
| been in an auto accident. Car seats that are | | | | but it is worth the price to have a car seat that you |
| purchased at consignment shops or yard sales may | | | | feel is protecting your child correctly. |
| also be missing important parts or may have been in | | | | |