Child safety

Buying a second-hand car seat

Purchasing a second-hand child restraint may be a cheaper option but how can you be sure the restraint is going to protect your child in a crash or sudden stop? It is strongly recommended that you avoid buying second-hand if possible.

If buying over the internet you need to know that you can return the restraint if it doesn’t fit securely and correctly in your vehicle.

Ask the owner of the restraint if it has ever been involved in a crash.  If it has, even a minor one, don’t buy it.  You can’t always tell if there is damage or weakness to the restraint after a crash.

Check the restraint isn’t too old.  Look at the back of the restraint and/or the instruction manual.  You may find a date of manufacture or a ‘don’t use after….” date on the restraint or in the instruction book.  No restraint should be used after it is 10 years old, some as few as six years from manufacture.

Make sure:
•    there is an instruction manual with the restraint
•    there is no fraying, fading or signs of stretching on the harness webbing
•    the plastic shell has no cracks
•    there is a safety standard label
•    It is less than 10 years old
•    the harness buckle works.  It must clip together properly.

And really importantly, you need to know that the restraint will fit into your vehicle and the vehicle safety belt will hold the restraint tightly and correctly.

You can ask advice from a Safe2Go technician at Plunket, your rental scheme or a car seat retailer.

If you have doubts about the restraint, don’t buy it! Remember, you can always hire a car seat from your local Plunket car seat rental scheme.