Infant Car Seat Question--Car Seat Base

Sharalyn - posted on 12/16/2009

If you look at the carseat base, it will show you an expiration date. I had a Graco and it showed an expiration date for next year. if it is an older model, most likely they discontinued that base and you will have to eventually buy another one. For safety reasons, all carseats have at least a good year on them, then they are discontinued.

Medic - posted on 12/15/2009

i didnt even use my carrier with my son and im not getting one for this baby i have the convertable carseats that go from newborn up to 100lbs.....and like some of the other mothers i agree unless you know that nothing has happened to this seat i would just go get a new one

Renee - posted on 12/15/2009

They are NOT all the same...I looked into this myself to get a 2nd base for my husband's car. I also have a Graco carseat, and I got mine in early 2008. You have to go to the Graco website and enter the manufact. date and model #. (there should be a sticker on your current base to get this info) From there they bring up that exact model of carseat from that batch era and they have all the re-placement parts and pieces you can order.

Stephanie - posted on 12/15/2009

Actually the fire department should know these questions if your not sure about car seats because every state is different. In Ohio just change the booster seat law.

Jessica - posted on 12/14/2009

im not sure if u no but if a car set is older then 5 yr they say they r not safe for kids anymore so check on that. y dont u take the carset in and see if it fits on a base the right way cuz u bring it in the store anyway with ur baby u in it when u go shoping u also can strap the carset in with out a base

Desi - posted on 12/14/2009

Quoting Toni:

Honestly I wouldn't bother getting a second base. I would suggest getting a Convertable carseat that fits infants. Babies grow so fast that it's a waste of money to get a base when you can get a car seat that your baby can use for the next stage for almost the same price. The only inconvience would be having to take he baby out when going out. My son is so curious and just had to see everything so early on I can't keep him in the carrier without him fussing anyways.

Great suggestion! Do most convertible car seats fit infants? Will this type of car seat require extra materials to fit an infant? I have no idea about all this car seat business! I appreciate your help.

Jamie - posted on 12/14/2009

Quoting Alisha:

I agree with others opinions on going new for a car seat. I was in an accident and my kids were fine but we were all jolted good and I was told to but new car seats so you never know if it has been in even a little accident that could compromise the car seats safety. I think it's always better to not take a chance with a used or an older car seat.

I did the same thing. Thankfully though me nor our child were in the vehicle at the time but he go tinto an accident with the car seat in the car. I refused to use it and since our daughter at the time was ready to sit in her new seat we switched to that and bought a new seat for the baby.

Alisha - posted on 12/14/2009

I agree with others opinions on going new for a car seat. I was in an accident and my kids were fine but we were all jolted good and I was told to but new car seats so you never know if it has been in even a little accident that could compromise the car seats safety. I think it's always better to not take a chance with a used or an older car seat.

Toni - posted on 12/14/2009

when i went to buy a carseat from babies r us they told me that if i wanted to buy an extra base any base would work as long as it was the same brand.

C. - posted on 12/14/2009

Yes, they should be. It's a pretty standard model base for all of their infant seats. Good luck on finding one!

Toni - posted on 12/14/2009

Honestly I wouldn't bother getting a second base. I would suggest getting a Convertable carseat that fits infants. Babies grow so fast that it's a waste of money to get a base when you can get a car seat that your baby can use for the next stage for almost the same price. The only inconvience would be having to take he baby out when going out. My son is so curious and just had to see everything so early on I can't keep him in the carrier without him fussing anyways.

Stephanie - posted on 12/14/2009

using a second hand seat is not the safest idea. unless you know for sure it has never been in an accident, the straps have never been submerged in water, or if the cover was washed my the manufacture recommendations.... also like a pp said check the DOM on the seat or expiration date.. infant seats a a 6 year life span from DOM. my suggestion would be to start putting a few dollars back every week to buy a new seat, or buy a cosco Scerena for $45 at walmart its not a infant carrier, but its cheaper(RF to 35lbs, FF to 40lbs)

Alina - posted on 12/14/2009

if you end up getting a new seat or are still looking for a base try a good consignment store. around here, (well sortof) we have one called other mothers that has TONS of bases and seats with bases. also try checking the graco website and if you cant find it there call them and talk to them. they are usually really good to work with and will tell you if the seat has for some reason been recalled. good luck and i hope i helped even a little bit.

Rebecca - posted on 12/14/2009

there should be an website you can give the modle number for and tell them you would liek to purchase another one. also make sure you check the date of manufacturing. Most car seats are not good past 5 years. If you aren't sure how long yours in particular is good for visit www.childsafetylink.ca and provide the number the date made and the name of the car seat adn they will be able to tell you if it is still good and if it was every recalled.

Erica - posted on 12/14/2009

Graco doesnt make the safeseat anymore. Your best bet would be a snugride 32 base but id try it in a store (babies rus or something similar) before you buy one. I wouldnt get a base for the regular snugride because it only goes up to 22lbs where the safe seat goes to 30 and the snugride 32 goes to 32:)

Jamie - posted on 12/14/2009

They are different. Mine never fit in my sister n laws we tried. I want you to look at the bottom of your car seat, there should be an expiration date on there. If it is passed that I suggest a new seat, as well probably no luck finding a base.

Jamie - posted on 12/14/2009

They should all be the same.