Not New?
(Is this seat safe?)
Used child safety seat checklist
1
Do you know the history of the seat?
Yes – continue
No – DESTROY
2
Does the seat have a label with date of manufacture and model name/number?
Yes – continue
No – DESTROY
3
Is the seat less than 6 years old (unless otherwise specified in manufacturer’s instructions)?
Yes – continue
No – DESTROY
4
Does the seat have a label showing that it meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
Yes – continue
No – DESTROY
5
Has the seat been recalled for a safety defect?
Yes – continue to 5b
No – continue to 6
5b
Has the defect been corrected?
Yes – continue to 6
No – do not use until defects are corrected or DESTROY
6
Has the seat been involved in any vehicle crash (even a minor one)?
Yes – DESTROY
No – continue
7
Are there any cracks, bends or breaks in the plastic shell?
Yes – DESTROY
No – continue
8
Has the metal frame rusted, bent or broken?
Yes – DESTROY
No – continue
9
Do you have a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions?
Yes – continue
No – obtain new instructions and continue or DESTROY
10
Does the seat have all it’s parts – harness straps, harness clip, seat cover, tether, padding, shield and bolts?
Yes – continue
No – obtain replacements and continue or DESTROY
11
Are the harness straps worn or frayed?
Yes – Obtain replacements and continue or DESTROY
No – continue
12
Does the buckle or any other metal part show signs of rust?
Yes – Obtain replacements and continue or DESTROY
No – continue
13
When buckled, does the mechanism lock securely? Does it remain locked?
Yes – USE SEAT!!!
No – Obtain replacements and continue or DESTROY