Graco car seats are generally good for 7 to 10 years from the date of manufacture, depending on the specific model and construction. This period is referred to as the car seat's "useful life."
- For Graco seats with steel-reinforced belt paths and belt-positioning boosters, the useful life is typically 10 years. These are often designed for older children, around ages 4 to 10.
- For Graco seats with plastic-reinforced belt paths, such as many infant and convertible seats, the useful life is usually 7 years.
To determine the exact expiration date of your Graco car seat, you need to find the Date of Manufacture (DOM) on the seat's label and add the useful life (7 or 10 years) to that date. For example, a seat manufactured on March 15, 2020, with a 7-year useful life would expire on March 15, 2027
. Graco recommends not using car seats beyond their expiration date due to wear and tear, changes in safety regulations, and potential degradation of materials over time. Even if a car seat looks fine, internal components such as straps and buckles may become less reliable. It is also advised not to buy used car seats unless you know their full history and that they have never been in an accident
. In summary, check your Graco car seat’s label for the manufacture date and useful life to calculate the expiration date, which will be either 7 or 10 years after manufacture depending on the model. After expiration, the seat should be replaced for safety reasons
