Protecting Your Children
Used Child Safety Seat Checklist
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| 1. Was the seat manufactured within the last six years? |
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Continue |
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Destroy the seat! It is no longer safe and should not be used.
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| 2. Is the seat labeled as meeting current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards? |
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Continue |
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Destroy! It is no longer safe and should not be used. |
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| 3. Has the seat been involved in a vehicle crash? |
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Continue |
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Destroy! It is no longer safe and should not be used. |
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Destroy! The seat may have hidden damage. Every car seat manufacturer, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration all recommend a car seat that has been in a car crash be replaced. |
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| 4. Has the seat been recalled for safety defects? (Click here to see a recall list) |
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Continue |
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Have the defects been corrected?
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Continue |
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Destroy the seat! It is no longer safe and should not be used. |
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Call manufacturer for help on how to see if recall has been repaired. |
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| 5. Are there any cracks, bends, or breaks in the plastic shell or metal frame? |
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Continue |
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Destroy! It is no longer safe to used. |
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| 6. Does the seat have all its parts: harness straps, pad/upholstery, harness retainer clip, shield (if applicable), tether strap, LATCH connectors, locking clip, etc.? |
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Continue. You MUST refer to the car seat instructions to see if all parts are present! |
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Throw the seat away-or obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer! |
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| 7. Are the harness straps worn or frayed? |
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Continue |
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Destroy-or obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer. |
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| 8. Is there rust in the buckle area? |
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Continue |
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Throw the seat away-or obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer! |
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| 9. Does the buckle mechanism fasten securely, remain fastened, and unfasten smoothly? |
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Continue! |
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Destroy-or, obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer. |
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| 10. Do you have a copy of the manufacturer's instructions? |
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Continue |
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Contact the manufacturer. Click here for a list of manufacturers and phone numbers |
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