I know the answer is probably if I even have to ask, I should.
We have a Graco Snugride that is still within expiration and has never been in a crash. I am just not sure if we should use it because it has been checked on 3 flights (I didn't realize we weren't supposed to at the time) and fell off the top of a couple boxes once - like maybe 3 ft high.
If consensus is that it's fine, I'd rather just keep it because money is pretty tight right now (we also have to buy a new car and are on one income) and I'd hate to be part of the demand for more new plastic unnecessarily.
If you would replace it, I would love recommendations for favorite infant car seats! I am leaning towards either the Chicco Keyfit because it seems to be on the list of what will best fit 3 across in the car or the Britax B Safe because it will work with our stroller without the adapter.
Thanks!
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Personally, I wouldn't replace it. But if you went on CSFTL I'm sure they'd tell you that you should.
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The three foot fall wouldn't bother me a bit. I personally don't check car seats but tons of people do and are totally fine with it. Unless it looked really rough after retrieving it from cargo, I would probably be fine with this. Is this from your first kid and you want to reuse for a new baby on the way? Or is this just for the same kid and you learned that you weren't supposed to check the seat and now you're nervous? I DEFINITELY wouldn't replace it if it's for an older infant who will outgrow it in a couple months.
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Yea I would inspect it but I wouldn't assume it needs to be replaced.
Also, I dont think there is any definitive guidance that you shouldn't check a car seat.
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@kiddosc: haha CSFTL was my first thought too. They go full-on cray-cray over checked seats.
Checking a seat isn't itself a reason, supported by unbiased and clear and convincing evidence, to replace a car seat.
Although I'm generally in the camp "if you have to ask....", in this case, I wouldn't.
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@Truth Bombs: This if for our third. It has already been used by our first two for about a year each. This is definitely our last baby though, if that makes any difference.
@T.H.O.U.: We had our other car seats checked by an installation tech and she said to NEVER check a car seat. Like was extremely emphatic about it. I didn't realize it was such a huge no-no until then. But at the same time she didn't tell us to replace the seat. So I don't know, it seems very contradictory.
@kiddosc: I'd guess CSFTL would tell me to replace it if it fell off a 2 inch tall box.
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I don't think I'd replace it.
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@skipra: Yea I mean I get that checking it poses a risk that it could fall off a truck but is that really different than it falling off a shelf in your garage? Assuming the plastic isn't cracked or the frame bent I would use it.
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@yoursilverlining: @skipra: CSFTL facebook page scares me
I mean... The CSFTL website has amazon links to order a carseat. How is shipping a carseat any different than checking one? I'm pretty sure that cardboard box isn't protecting anything.
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Well, I would probably replace it s, but then again I'm also considering buying a new car seat just so I don't have to make two 4-hour trips to get my current infant seat and then have to wash it when it gets home (it's at my IL's house and my MIL smokes like a chimney). I know that CSFTL recommends not checking a seat due to unknown history (you don't know how it was treated while out of your care), but I'm also confused about it since they ship seats in a cardboard box and I know that my seat that I ordered on Amazon came in a box that looked like it had been beat up a bit on the journey.
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@kiddosc: I had to leave the page because it was giving me anxiety and apparently everything you do can harm your car seat.
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Ok I am relieved to hear that I'm not crazy for even considering using it again. I was waiting for all the posts telling me I was insane and must buy a new one now.
@kiddosc: I think the difference is when they are shipped they are so encased in styrofoam that they are safe. I did not pack it like they would ship it.
@T.H.O.U.: No cracks or bends or anything. It looks fine! We lost the little pillow that goes with it but I can just get a replacement from Graco.
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@kiddosc: airlines assume no responsibility for damage, but shipping companies have a vested interest in getting merchandise to a retailer/consumer in good condition or they might be on the hook to replace damaged goods. As for CSTFL, users are often quick to jump in and say a checked seat must be replaced, but the techs give a fairly reasonable response and say to check it over for damage and it's a decision you have to make.
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I would not replace unless there was visable damage that concerns you. Any wreck at all and I would replace but I dont think a fall from 3 feet has nearly that impact.
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@skipra: I've bought 4 seats and none of them have been packaged in styrofoam in the box.
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I would not replace it
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Neither of our car seats that were shipped came encased in styrofoam. We've also checked them a couple of times - although I gate check - and look them over for visible damage or signs of mishandling. I feel okay with that, but everyone has their own level of risk that they are comfortable with. Maybe the really risk adverse drive to the factory to pick up their car seats so they don't get shipped? I kid a bit, but I think you're probably okay to reuse the seat for your third child.
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I wouldn't.
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I wouldn't replace it, just give it a good look over and as long as there isn't any damage go ahead and use it!
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I wouldn't replace it!
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I would not replace it.
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Thanks everyone!!! I'm going to give it a very close look and hope it fits in our new car. Would love not to spend $200 unnecessarily. Really appreciate the feedback!
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