When To Buy A New Car Seat (2026)

Check the white sticker on the side or bottom of the seat for the "Date of Manufacture" (DOM). 3. After an Accident

You may not need to replace it after a "minor" crash if: The vehicle was driven away from the crash. The door nearest the car seat was undamaged. No occupants were injured. The airbags did not deploy. There is no visible damage to the car seat. Pro-Tip: The "Hand-Me-Down" Check when to buy a new car seat

Buying a new car seat is a major milestone, but it’s often driven by safety requirements rather than just "sizing up." 1. The "Inch" Rule (Outgrowing the Current Seat) Check the white sticker on the side or