Parents Forum

Music-dad · 05-18-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trina

Music-dad, just noticed in another thread that your DD is 32 lbs.. I believe in Canada kids are required by law to stay in a harnessed car seat until at least 40 lbs.. USA CPS Techs recommend kids stay in harnessed car seats until at least 4 yrs. and 40 lbs.. Longer is even better, especially if a child is wiggly and not able to sit properly in a booster.

This means you legally can't use a booster in your bush whacking vehicle.

Before I was about to install, I did some research, and you are absolutely right, I'll have to keep the booster for next summer, (or feed her lots

)

Luckily, years ago I was able to buy 2 carseats from a mom with twins, so I have installed the other one in the bushwackermobile. Fits her perfectly, just like the one in my Mustang. The bushwacker sees very little road and highway, mostly private backroads which are bumpy and unpredictable, but I never take unneccessary chances when I am driving. I'm never in a rush to get anywhere.

Trina · 05-18-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Music-dad

Before I was about to install, I did some research, and you are absolutely right, I'll have to keep the booster for next summer, (or feed her lots

)

Luckily, years ago I was able to buy 2 carseats from a mom with twins, so I have installed the other one in the bushwackermobile. Fits her perfectly, just like the one in my Mustang. The bushwacker sees very little road and highway, mostly private backroads which are bumpy and unpredictable, but I never take unneccessary chances when I am driving. I'm never in a rush to get anywhere.

My DD (a peanut) didn't hit 40 lbs. until she was 6. Currently about to turn 10 next month, only 51 lbs..

How many years ago did you get the car seats? Did you know car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture? The DOM should be printed on a sticker on the back/bottom of the seat.

Trina · 05-18-2008, 10:21 AM

LOL, Crazy Frog! DD likes him.

Kaytee · 05-18-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trina

My DD (a peanut) didn't hit 40 lbs. until she was 6. Currently about to turn 10 next month, only 51 lbs..

How many years ago did you get the car seats? Did you know car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture? The DOM should be printed on a sticker on the back/bottom of the seat.

not sure it is true or not as I have not personally looked into it, but a friend told me that Britax says their seats are good for 8 years, but US law only allows for 6. Any ideas?

Trina · 05-18-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaytee

not sure it is true or not as I have not personally looked into it, but a friend told me that Britax says their seats are good for 8 years, but US law only allows for 6. Any ideas?

As a former CPS Tech (my certification just expired last week) - There is no such law. It's a guideline made by safety experts and car seat manufacturers. Britax seats expire 6 yrs. after the date of manufacture. Fisher Price car seats, back when Fisher Price made them, not the newer versions made by Britax for Fisher Price, had an 8 yr. lifespan.

Britax : Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ details

Q. How long can my child seat be used?
A. Britax recommends that the use of a child seat be discontinued after six years or if the seat has been involved in a severe crash. After six years, technology has changed, components degrade from the environment (depending on how and where stored), parts get lost or installed incorrectly, or instructions and labels may not be available or not legible. The child seat may be unsafe and should be destroyed.

CPSafety - Your online child passenger safety resource

If a car seat is used past the 6 yr. DOM date, the manufacturer is released from liability should the car seat malfunction during a crash.

Music-dad · 05-18-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trina

My DD (a peanut) didn't hit 40 lbs. until she was 6. Currently about to turn 10 next month, only 51 lbs..

How many years ago did you get the car seats? Did you know car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture? The DOM should be printed on a sticker on the back/bottom of the seat.

I lucked out that they were brand new when I bought them, she got them as a shower gift, but doesn't have a car. So they are only about 3.5+ years old at this point. I should be ok up until the time she moves into a booster.

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