Mfg Warranty

[ashleybama24]

My mom has an Evenflo carseat in her car that was given to her by a neighbor. I have checked it all over for the manufactures warranty to know when it expires and can't find it anywhere. Is it possible the last owner removed the sticker? I detest this carseat as it is a total PIA to use so this would give me more ammo to get a new one for the grandparents.

[mom2binsd]

What is the model number, you need to check to see if it's recalled, so if you can't find the model (should be stamped on the seat somewhere) I'd tell her it's not useable as you can't find that info.

What does it look like?

[bubbaray]

There will likely be an indented stamp somewhere, you may need to take the cover off to find it.

Personally, I wouldn't use a borrowed seat that d/n have a visible sticker, but I'm kinda anal that way.

[ashleybama24]

Ironically this is the SECOND evenflo carseat we have been given. The first I donated, it is so hard to use that it wasn't even worth it to have as a second seat as a backup. My son rarely sits in it but I just never have the feeling he is totally secure. I will take it apart tonight when we are over there for dinner. I can't even find a similar model on the Evenflo website....the seat must be at least 6 years old.

[ashleybama24]

Ok I was finally able to pull the car seat out of the car. I can't find the model name but I did find the manufacture date, the embedded words to not use this seat after Dec 31, 2011 and a half faded model number. So in 6 months do I need to recycle this carseat? What exactly does it mean when it expires?

[bubbaray]

It means that you should NOT use the seat after the expiry. Slash the harness and recycle or trash the seat.

[jjordan]

The expiration date for car seats is similar to the expiration date for milk - basically, after that point, the manufacturer will no longer guarantee that the seat will perform the way it should in a crash.

Personally I wouldn't use it. First problem is that you don't have a manual, and if you don't know how to properly use it, then you could be doing all sorts of things wrong and not even know it. Second problem is that you don't know the history of the seat - it could have been in a serious crash, compromising its safety, and you wouldn't even know it. But I'd concentrate on the first problem (no manual) when trying to convince your mom that the seat shouldn't be used. Or if she has a high degree of respect for the law, you could try telling her that the seat needs its original labeling stickers in order to be legal. (Technically the labels are part of the requirements in FMVSS 213 that regulate car seats.)

[ashleybama24]

We just had a huge debate about rear facing until 2 or older, booster seats until 9, 5 point harnesses, the laws here in Texas that don't even require kid to be in seats if the car is full and how 30 years ago none of these rules existed and we turned out just fine. I swear she is arguing just to argue. I could get another manual for the seat, there is a 1-800 to call, but I would rather my child be safe in a seat I bought or he isn't going to ride in their car.

Do I get another Boulevard or is there a better option out there?

[jjordan]

Deaths in car crashes have decreased dramatically since 30 years ago. We turned out fine, but lots of kids didn't.

Since this seat won't be used very often (or will it?), I wouldn't spend the money for another Britax, personally. How old is the child and how much does he/she weigh? Will this seat be used for other grandchildren as well? How often will it be used? Will it be left in the car or taken in and out regularly?

[ashleybama24]

Originally Posted by jjordan

Deaths in car crashes have decreased dramatically since 30 years ago. We turned out fine, but lots of kids didn't.

Exactly! Because the laws have changed and car seats are safer.

Since this seat won't be used very often (or will it?), I wouldn't spend the money for another Britax, personally. How old is the child and how much does he/she weigh? Will this seat be used for other grandchildren as well? How often will it be used? Will it be left in the car or taken in and out regularly?

DS1 is 19 mo old, 25 lbs. DS2 is due end of July so they could both potentially be using this seat over the next few years. They are the first grandchildren so a new carseat could be used for many years. DS1 doesn't ride in it much now (2x a month?) but my mom leaves it in the car just in case. I'm hoping they will help more when #2 arrives. My sister may also be helping a few mornings a week as soon as school gets out so she would use that carseat.