Second-hand car seats

Know the history of a child car seat and consult this safety checklist before purchasing a used car seat.

Never buy a used car seat if it:

• has been in a severe crash

• has expired or is past the manufacturer's useful date
• does not have the manufacturer's directions available
• has ripped or torn fabric, or the harness or tether straps are missing or frayed
• does not have a sticker affixed to it stating the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) have been met
• if the metal parts are rusted
• has been recalled by Transport Canada

If you're 100% sure about the child car seat's crash history and it's in good condition, buy yourself a bargain.

Installation check

Have your car seat checked by a trained technician to verify you're doing it properly. Find a certified technician or view the car seat clinic schedule for a clinic in your area.

To see a demonstration of how to properly install a car seat, check out the videos on the Safe Kids Canada website.