Car seats

Make sure

    It’s the correct size for your baby (to do this, check the instruction book, contact the manufacturer or use the model number to look online).
    It’s not too old – the date it was made and the model number should be on the label; use them to ask the manufacturer how many years it recommends using the seat.
    It has instructions: You’ll need them to know how to install and use it.
    It has no missing parts. If it does, check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
    It wasn’t recalled. Find out by calling the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site.
    It wasn’t in a moderate or severe crash. Seats that were in a minor crash may be safe to use. The NHTSA considers a crash minor if all of the following are true:
o    The vehicle could be driven away from the crash.
o    The vehicle door closest to the car seat was not damaged.
o    No one in the vehicle was injured.
o    The air bags didn’t go off.
o    You can’t see any damage to the car safety seat.

Also bear in mind that children's products - even those made years ago - are constantly being recalled. To see an updated list of recalls, go to the CPSC Web site for photos and descriptions of recalled items.