buying a car seat

optimistic-mummy

what is everyones opinions on buying a car seat off somebody you know well ? an infant one... it is MSE but is it worth it after all they do say to buy a new one don't they ?

just want everyones opinions really as a family member has offered us her car seat is in immaculate condition but im not sure weather to buy one new instead. some advice would be much appreciated

TIA x

lowlitmemory

If it is someone you know well and you trust that it has never been in an accident, then yes I would. Personally I wouldn't buy off Gumtree or similar as you just don't know.

Gillybean103

I would always go for a new car seat no matter what

BAGGY

I would buy (and have done) if I know it's history. Car seat manufacturers make money this way I'm sure.
(and childrens shoes that measure width and cost 3 times as much. Supermarkets dont sell 'width' shoes and they've not been banned)

dizziblonde

If you know the history of it in terms of knowing it hasn't been in any accidents, age of it and how it's been stored. I wouldn't take the risk off any second-hand sites, but from trusted friends or family members I would - and indeed am in a month or so.

optimistic-mummy

thanks for all your great advice, its off a close family member we see very regularly. never been dropped or in a car crash and is always placed softly and carefully on any surface. its immaculate and seems completely safe no rattling etc ... i've heard you will know if they have been dropped or in a crash as there is stuff inside like a motorcycle helmet that will rattle make a noise if broken which would mean baby wasn't safe in a crash etc ... but i don't know how true this is ... and obv would have to make sure it fits in our car and there is no buckle crunch etc .... thanks for the advice will have a think x

ellie27

I would happily buy a carseat from someone I know well and could trust when they say it has not been in any accidents etc.

I am very pro-extended rear facing!!! You say its an infant seat so it will be rear-facing anyway, but try keep children rear-facing as long as you can. It is 5 times safer than forward facing. Both my children are still rear-facing at age 3.5 years and 1.5 years.

Also Most seats do not fit most cars - you really do need to try it out.

Got2bgorgeous

I would have car seat from trusted friend or relative as other forumites. Friends and family will not want to put your baby at risk and would tell you if there are any risks with the seat if has been dropped or in a crash... But ebayers not so much. I'll need one soon and have done loads of research but still undecided. Thought about eBay to save some £ but as I say think a bit too risky for me. Everyone is different though and there are some really good value own label seats out there if you are willing to give up the brand name and keen to save money for nappies! Like anything for babies they all have to be tested to meet minimum safety standards so a cheap own brand new seat better bet than taking a risk on a seat you don't know the history of, in my opinion

shortdog

optimistic-mummy wrote: »

i've heard you will know if they have been dropped or in a crash as there is stuff inside like a motorcycle helmet that will rattle make a noise if broken which would mean baby wasn't safe in a crash etc ... but i don't know how true this is

Please please please don't think that a car seat that doesn't rattle is safe.
Both of my kids car seats were thrown away after an accident (low speed, low impact) and they didn't rattle.
A friends car seat was destroyed after an accident. It was a massive accident, 70mph, car on it's roof, etc etc (all occupants escaped without major injury). The infant car seat was obviously unsafe to use after that, and no-one in their right mind would have thought otherwise. However, it still looked perfect, almost brand new, didn't rattle, no marks, nothing to show it had been in an accident. Luckily, my friend was the honest type, and she made sure it was unusable before throwing it away, otherwise she could have sold it on to some unsuspecting person, who would have known nothing until it failed to protect their child in an accident.

However, in your situation, OP, I would happily use a friend/family members old seat, as long as I knew it had been looked after.

And a little P.S. Motorbike helmets don't rattle after an accident either - my OH did a fair way up the road on his head last year, and his helmet didn't rattle. It had no paint on one side and a broken viosr, but it didn't rattle!

notanewuser

Car seats and bike helmets are filled with moulded polystyrene. That compresses on impact/melts in heat or sunlight and neither of those things would cause a rattle. Either will lower the effectiveness of the seat in a crash though.

I'm also pro-extended rear facing.

ymcas

I would also check how old it is as over time the plastic degrades. I'm pretty sure they are OK for up to 10 years after manufacture so unless it has been handed down through several kids you should probably be ok.