Re-using car seat for second child

BFJ

We're due our second child in March. Six years ago we bought a Which Best Buy infant car seat (Britax), and am thinking of using it again for next one (it hasn't been in any accidents). Does anyone know if there's any advantage of buying a new one, such as current Which recommended one? We don't have an Isofix system in our car so cannot use one of them. Aside from that I wonder if there would have been any safety improvements made that would make current recommended infant seats (non-Isofix) any safer than one we already have?

Can't see any advice on this anywhere. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks

Janepig

My DS is still using the car seat we bought for DD roughly 5 years ago - it hasn't been in any accidents and it does the job. I'm not sure if there are any with "improvements" but seeing as the one we've got is perfectly adequate (as it sounds like yours is) then why get another one?

Jxx

naijapower

The final choice lies with you. If the old one didnt have any accident and you can satisfy yourself that it is still fit for purpose, then by all means you can use. In my opnion, the key thing is being able to secure the car seat to the car and of cos the comfort of the baby withing the car seat

jackomdj

We used ours for our second child. We have since given it to a friend to use in their second car. I would not have sold it though as I don't think people should have a seat that they don't know where it has been.

In your situation I would say re-use it.

Nicky

shirlgirl2004

The recommended life span of a car seat is 5 years because as we all know plastic degrades over time.

See here but I'm sure you'll find other places that recommend the same. I've seen it in the handbooks that come with car seats too.

amandada

If you decide to re-use it, if you've changed your car since you last used it, make sure it fits properly in your current car

Yes I was caught out with this!

LJM

ive used mine with my first and second child and my friend now has it for her little one,it still looks practically brand new and its in good working order.as everyone else has said its your choice you could always ask in some where like halfords who can fit them for you to check it,sounds cheeky but they might

Sagaris

Or ask your local Road Safety department at your council who will carry out a check for free, if they do them.

themaccas

I'm still using one that is over 17 years old...:o

But it's only a booster seat so i think that's a bit different?