Used Car Seat Checklist

Only take a used car seat when you can check its history, date, labels, and parts.

A used car seat is the riskiest secondhand buy in this list. Take it only if you can check every item below. If you cannot, pass. The rest of the gear list is on Buying used baby gear.

You know its history, ideally from someone you trust. It has never been in a moderate or severe crash.
If it was in a crash, it was a minor one by NHTSA's definition. All of these were true: the vehicle could be driven away; the door nearest the car seat was not damaged; nobody was injured; the air bags did not deploy; and you see no damage on the seat. Some manufacturers say to replace the seat after any crash. Read the manual.
It is not past the manufacturer's date. Look for a "do not use after" date, or the manufacture date on the label or molded into the shell. The manual says how many years it lasts.
Labels are readable: model number and date of manufacture. You need both to check recalls and age.
No open recall. Search the brand and model on this site or at NHTSA recalls. If there is a recall, contact the manufacturer. Many fixes are a free kit.
All of the parts are there: harness, buckle, chest clip, base if it came with one, padding, and inserts. Missing parts can often be ordered from the manufacturer.
You have the instruction manual, or you can download or order one from the manufacturer.
Harness straps are not frayed, cut, or swapped for parts that did not come with the seat. The buckle clicks and releases.
You will register it with the manufacturer in your name, so they can reach you about a later recall.

Also do the three checks that apply to any used item: a readable label, a recall search before you pay, and no missing hardware or homemade repair. Details are on the full checklist.

Official Sources

We don't test, rate, or certify products. We only show official recall records. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. If a child is hurt, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.