Graco car seat expiration by model
Graco car seats last 7 to 10 years from the date of manufacture, depending on the model. GarageDex lists 46 Graco seats: 28 last 10 years and 18 last 7 years. Find yours below; each lifespan is quoted from Graco's own page or manual.
Where to find the date on a Graco seat
Look for a white sticker on the plastic shell, usually on the back, the side or underneath. It lists the model number and the date of manufacture, and newer seats often print the expiration date on the same label or stamp it into the plastic.
When to replace a seat before it expires
- After a moderate or severe crash. NHTSA lists the conditions under which a seat can stay in use after a minor one: car seat use after a crash.
- When the label with the date of manufacture is missing and the maker cannot tell you the date from the serial number.
- When the seat has a recall that has not been fixed. Register the seat with its maker so recall notices reach you.
- When your child is past the seat's height or weight limit, whatever the date.
Before you throw an expired seat out, cut the harness straps and write EXPIRED on the shell so nobody picks it up and uses it.
Other brands
Every lifespan on this page is quoted from the seat maker's own product page, manual or expiration guide, and the quote was checked against that page on the date shown. If the label on your seat prints an expiration date, that date wins.