Baby · Safety
Car Seat Expiration Calculator
Find out when your car seat expires from the date of manufacture printed on the seat. Includes typical lifespans for major brands (Britax, Graco, Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Nuna, Diono, Evenflo, UPPAbaby, Clek).
Last reviewed 24 May 2026
Car seat expiration
When does my car seat expire?
Enter the manufacture date to see when your seat expires.
How to use this calculator
Find the manufacture-date sticker on your seat (usually on the side or bottom plastic — labelled "DOM" or "Manufactured on"). Enter the date and pick your brand. The calculator returns the seat’s expiration date, time remaining, and an at-a-glance safe / warn / expired status.
Typical lifespans by brand
- 6 years: Britax (most), Chicco KeyFit, Evenflo (most)
- 7 years: Graco (most), Nuna, UPPAbaby
- 8 years: Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Diono (most convertibles), Chicco NextFit, Evenflo Symphony
- 9 years: Britax Boulevard / ClickTight series, Clek
- 10 years: Diono Radian RXT, some Graco convertibles
The single source of truth is the “do not use after” date printed on YOUR seat — always go by that, not by general brand guidance. The numbers above are typical defaults if the printed date is missing.
Why car seats expire
- Plastic degradation: repeated heat / cold cycles and UV exposure in cars weaken the shell over time, even with no visible damage.
- Standards evolve: federal crash standards update; a seat from 2014 isn't certified to 2024 standards.
- Recall and parts tracking: manufacturers stop supporting older models, making replacement parts hard to source.
Beyond the date — when to also replace
- After a moderate / severe crash — even with no visible damage. NHTSA's minor-crash criteria are strict (driveable vehicle, undamaged door, no injuries, no airbag deployment, no visible seat damage); meet ALL five and the seat may be reusable, but err on the side of replacement.
- Missing parts (LATCH connectors, harness pads, instructions) — replacements may not be available.
- Visible damage: cracks in plastic, frayed straps, broken buckle.
- Stored in extreme temperatures (a hot attic, freezing garage) for long periods.
- Used / unknown history — don't use a seat whose full history you don't know.
Sources
- U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Car Seat and Booster Seat Safety.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Car Safety Seats: Information for Families.
- Manufacturer manuals (Britax, Graco, Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Nuna, Diono, Evenflo).
Frequently asked questions
Why do car seats expire?
Three reasons. (1) Plastic degrades over time — UV exposure, repeated heating and cooling in cars, and minor stress weaken the shell, even when not visibly damaged. (2) Safety standards evolve — a seat manufactured in 2014 was certified to 2014 federal crash standards, not today's. (3) Replacement-part availability and recall-tracking is harder for older models. Manufacturers print a 'do not use after' date on the seat based on these factors combined.
Where do I find the manufacture date?
Look for a sticker on the seat's plastic shell — usually on the side or bottom. It says 'DOM' (Date of Manufacture) or 'Manufactured on'. Some seats also print the expiration date directly. If you can't find any sticker, check the user manual or call the manufacturer with the model number.
Can I use a car seat right up to the expiration date?
Yes — but plan ahead. Replace before the date if you'll be using it for another child or for an extended period (e.g. travel) past the expiration. A seat that expires in 6 months is fine for short-term use but probably worth replacing soon for a newborn who'll be in it 2+ years.
What about used / second-hand car seats?
Generally don't. The seat's safety history is unknown — has it been in a crash? Was it ever recalled? Was it stored in extreme temperatures? AAP, NHTSA, and most paediatric safety organisations recommend against used seats unless you know the full history (e.g. directly from a trusted family member who's still in possession of the original receipt and manual). Even then, check for visible damage, recalls, and that the expiration date hasn't passed.
What if my seat has been in a crash?
Replace immediately for moderate-to-severe crashes, even with no visible damage. NHTSA defines a 'minor crash' as ALL of: the vehicle was driveable, the door nearest the seat was undamaged, no occupant injuries, the airbag did NOT deploy, no visible damage to the seat. If your crash meets all five, the seat may be reusable — but most manufacturers err on the side of replacement. Insurance usually covers replacement after a crash.