In this post, I share details of my research on Graco car seat expiration including brands such as Graco Snugride, Extend2Fit, Snuglock 35, and other non-Graco brands such as Britax. Car seats expire and that may surprise many. I, too, was surprised when I was doing my research the first time a few years back.
Graco Car Seat Expiration: Extend2Fit, Snugride 30, Snuglock 35, etc.
Different brands of Graco car seats have expiration periods of 7 to 10 years. In the list below, I have highlighted how long Graco car seats are good for:
- Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat – Expiry: 10 years
- Graco 4Ever DLX Convertible Car Seat– Expiry: 10 years
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum Infant Car Seat– Expiry: 7 years
- Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat- Expiry: 7 years
- Graco SnugRide Essentials 30 Infant Car seat– Expiry: 7 years
- Graco Booster Car Seat expiration: The Graco booster seat has 10 years of useful life from the date of manufacture
Britax Car Seat Expiration
- Britax One4Life Click Tight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat -Expiry: 10 years
- Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat-Expiry: 10 years
- Britax B-Safe Ultra Infant Car Seat Expiry: 6 years
- Britax Marathon Click Tight Convertible Car Seat– Expiry: 10 years
- Britax Boulevard Click Tight Convertible Car Seat-Expiry: 10 years
Infant car seat expiration date laws
In all provinces and territories in Canada, parents, and caregivers are urged to follow instructions provided by the car seat manufacturer, and not to use an expired car seat since they will be risking their children’s safety. Further, you may be found guilty of breaking the law if you do not comply with the instruction. The Transport authorities strongly advise parents as well as caregivers to contact the manufacturer directly to find out the expiry dates for their car seats.
We all check the products we purchase, especially foodstuff, for the expiry date to determine if they are safe for consumption or not. But it might be a surprise to some people that we are even talking of a car seat expiring. Well, that is what we will be discussing in this article. Mainly, your child’s car seat, why? Because your child’s safety comes first and seat expiration is a reflection of that safety. Plus, in some countries, it is a requirement and you are expected to adhere to it by Transport Safety Authorities.
What is infant car seat expiry and why do they expire?
Infant car seat expiry is simply how long an infant car seat can be used after manufacture before it becomes unusable or unsafe. The expiry date is determined by the car seat manufacturer.
Below is a video with details on why car seats expire:
Do Infant car seats have expiry dates?
Yes, all infant car seats have an expiry date. It is normally indicated by the manufacturer on the seat, but it varies by brand and model.
Average Car Seat Expiry Period
Most car seats have a useful life of between 6 to 10 years depending on the brand and model.
How to check infant car seat expiration
In most cases, car seats and seat bases come with a sticker indicating the date of manufacture and expiry. To locate the sticker, turn over the seat and check on the back, along the sides, or the bottom. Alternatively, some brands indicate the expiry date on the shell behind the cushion. Remove the seat cushion and check there if it isn’t on the back.
If finally, you are not able to find the expiration date of the seat, just give a call to the manufacturer, and they should be able to provide you with the info you need. You should never use a seat without checking its expiration first to confirm it is safe for your child.
Infant Car Seat Expiry Canada + Graco car seat expiry canada
All infant car seats and booster seats sold in Canada have an expiry or useful life date indicated on them, even though regulation bodies do not require this. Manufacturers provide this information so that owners and potential buyers are aware of the possible risks of using car seats and booster seats that may have missing parts, labels, or instructions or may have an unknown history, which could affect safety. People are warned that they should not use infant car seats and booster seats past their expiry. Further, they are urged to discard the expired seat permanently instead of donating to a charity, second-hand store, or giving to friends or family.
Below is a list compiled by Transport Canada showing the manufacturers who sell car seats in Canada, the brand name, and the useful life period of their car seats.
Note: EI = Infant; I/C = Infant and Child; B = Booster; C/B = Child and Booster; I/C/B = Infant, Child and Booster
| Manufacturer | Brand name(s) | Type | Useful life |
| Baby Trend Inc. | Baby Trend | I | 6 years |
| Britax Child Safety ltd | Britax | I, B, Traveller plus EZ | 6 years |
| Britax | I/C | 7 years | |
| Britax | C/B | 9 years | |
| Britax | I/C ClickTight | 10 years | |
| Canadian Tire Corp. | Apramo | B | 9 years |
| Clek Inc. | Clek | I/C, B | 9 years |
| Diono Canada, ULC | Radian R-series | I/C/B | 8 years as “I or C” + 2 years extension as B |
| Monterey | B | 6 years | |
| Sunshine Kids | I/C | 8 years | |
| Sunshine Kids | B | 6 years | |
| Dorel Juvenile Group | Cosco, safety 1st , Eddie Bauer, Maxi-Cosi | I | 8 years |
| Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Schwinn | I/C | 8 years- Includes Safety 1st Scenera LX | |
| Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st | I/C | 10 years | |
| Safety 1st , Eddie Bauer | I/C/B | Enspira- 8 years | |
| Cosco, Safety 1st ,Eddie Bauer | I/C/B | 10 years | |
| Newell Brands Canada, Inc. | Graco | I,I/C C/B,B | Seats manufactured before mid-2011, not including the Nautilus – Expiry in December of the 6th year Expiry date stamped into the seat |
| Graco | C/B | Nautilus backless portion only in Booster mode – manufactured before mid-2011 – 9 yearsExpiry date stamped into the seat | |
| Graco | I,I/C | Manufactured after mid-2011 – 7 yearsExpiry date stamped into the seat | |
| Graco | C/B,B | Manufactured after mid-2011 – 10 yearsExpiry date stamped into the seat | |
| Graco | C/C/B | 4Ever-10 years | |
| Evenflo Canada, Inc. | Eveflo | I, I/C | 6 years |
| C/B | |||
| I/C/B, B | |||
| I/C/B | Symphony-8 years | ||
| I/C/B | SafeMax All-In-One – 10 years | ||
| C/B | Transitions and Evolve – 8 years | ||
| Urbini | I | 6 years | |
| Harmony Juvenile Products | Harmony | I/C/B,B | V7, Dreamtime and Youth Boosters – 6 years |
| Harmony | I/C/B | Defender – 10 years | |
| ISSI Inc. | Chicco | I | 6 years from manufacturer date, or date of purchase |
| Mifold | B | 7 years | |
| Nuna Pipa | I | 7 years from manufacturer date, or date of purchase | |
| Learning Curve Brands, Inc. | First Years, Compass | I,I/C,B | 7 years |
| Orbit Baby Inc. | Orbit Baby | I | 7 years |
| Peg-Pérego Canada Inc. | Peg-Pérego | I | Manufactured after 2011 – 7 years |
| Peg-Pérego | I/C | Manufactured after November 2015 – 10 years | |
| Peg-Pérego | B | Manufactured after October 2015 – 12 years | |
| RECARO Child Safety LLC | RECARO | I/C, C/B, B | 6 years |
| 5514 KM | Team TexFerrari, Fisher Price | I/C, B | 10 years |
| UPPAbaby Mesa | I | 7 years |
Note: This list is compiled by Transport Canada as a reference only, using the information provided voluntarily by the listed manufacturers. Its accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and its content is subject to change without notice.
Infant car seat expiry Ontario
In Ontario, just like all provinces and territories in Canada, people are urged to follow instructions provided by your infant car seat manufacturer, and not to use an expired car seat since you will be risking your child’s safety. Further, you may be found guilty of breaking the law if you do not comply with the instruction. The Transport authorities strongly advise parents as well as caregivers to contact the manufacturer directly to find out the expiry dates for their car seats.
Infant car seat expiry Alberta
In Alberta, just like all provinces and territories in Canada, people are urged to follow instructions provided by the infant car seat manufacturer, and not to use an expired car seat since you will be risking your child’s safety. Further, you may be found guilty of breaking the law if you do not comply with the instruction. The Transport authorities strongly advise parents as well as caregivers to contact the manufacturer directly to find out the expiry dates for their car seats.
Infant Car Seat Expiry of 10 Convertible Car Seat models
| Name of Brand | Period to Expiry | Rating on Amazon | Amazon Price |
| Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat | 10 years | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | 10 Years | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Diono 2019 Radian 3R All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 10 years | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat | 10 years | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Chicco NextFit Zip Air Convertible Car Seat | 10 years | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | 10 years | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| Britax One4Life Click Tight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 10 years | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat | 8 years | 4.4./5 | Check Price |
| Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat | 7 years | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat | 6 years | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
Infant Car Seat Expiry of 10 Infant Car Seats
| Name of Brand | Date of Expiry | Rating on Amazon | Amazon Price |
| Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car seat | 8 years | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
| Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30 Infant Car seat | 7 years | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 2018 UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car seat | 7 years | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Graco SnugRide Essentials 30 Infant Car seat | 7 years | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Britax B-Safe Ultra Infant Car seat | 6 years | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| Doona Infant Car seat & Latch Base | 6 years | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic Infant Car seat | 6 years | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360 Infant Car seat | 6 years | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Infant Car seat | 6 years | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Evenflo Nurture Infant Car seat | 6 years | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
5 Longest Expiry Date Car Seat Brands Reviews:
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Graco Extended2Fit has a useful life of ten years from the date of manufacture. It is one of the most loved convertible seats. On Amazon, it is # 1 in convertible child safety car seats with a rating of 4.8/ 5 by more than 11,799 customers. It is specially designed for parents who prefer to have their child ride in the rear-facing mode, longer than most other brands can offer. With this seat, you can have your child facing the rear from birth until they are 50 pounds, and forward-facing from 22-65 pounds.
There is a lot to love about the seat. First, it is very affordable and will grow with your child. Second, it is on the small side, so it does not take a lot of space for your front passenger seat, a feature most people with small cars would appreciate. Plus it is lighter than most. It also has more legroom and plush padding in a breathable fabric making your child’s riding experience super comfy.
For safety, the Extend2Fit features a steel frame body, and several parents can attest their children remained unhurt and the seat intact when they had an accident.
Installation is made easy and fast using the Latch system and level indicators to ensure correctness every time. As a bonus, it has dual cup holders to keep your child’s drink and snacks at hand, making the journey even more enjoyable.
Features:
- 6-position recline position and 10 headrest positions
- Latch installation system with bubble level indicator
- 5-inches for additional leg room
- A harness storage compartment to keep the buckle out of the way
- Steel reinforced frame
- Dual cup holders
Britax One4Life Click Tight Convertible Car Seat
The Britax One4life is one of the longest-serving car seats you can get and as the name suggests it is the only one your child needs from the time they are infants, toddlers, preschool, and big enough kids to use a normal car seat. On Amazon, it is ranked on the second position in the 3-in-1 ‘child safety car seat’ category. The seat converts from rear-facing, forward-facing with up to 15 headrest positions and 5 point harness to accommodate your growing child, and finally a booster seat.
The seat uses ClickTight installation mechanism where the belts are color-coded, and you have indicators to guide you, ensuring installation is correct and easy. Safety features, include a high steel frame, 2 layers side impact protection, a crump zone, and a v-shaped tether to absorb impact in case of a crash.
For comfort, it has premium foam padding all over. And for care, the covers are machine washable and drier safe.
Features:
- Lasts 10 years
- 2 layers of side impact protection surrounding the head, neck and torso
- Safe cell technology to absorb crash technology
- High strength steel frame for reinforcement and stability
- v-shaped tether to help slow and reduce movement in case of a crash
- 15-position headrest and harness
- 9-recline positions
- Ventilated mesh and cooling channels for airflow
- Machine washable and drier safe
- Approved by FAA for airplane travel
Diono 2019 Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
This Diono is also another great option that lasts a long ten years. On Amazon, it is number four in Convertible child safety car seats. It accommodates your baby from birth in the rear-facing mode (infant insert included for additional comfort), then forward-facing and booster mode until they grow up to 120 pounds. We also love this seat because it is designed with travel-friendly features.
It has a slim built so you can fit 3 of these seats in the back seat of most mid-sized cars and travel as a family. Additionally, it has a foldable design, so you can carry it like a backpack and take it with you even on an airplane (FAA approved).
In terms of safety, it is has a steel body engineered into a dual spine, making the seat unyielding under the impact. Installation is also made easy for you using the SuperLatch click mechanism which produces an audible sound to confirm you have installed the seat correctly.
Inspired by European style, the Radian 3RXT uses soft fabric covers and memory foam seat bottom that will keep your child riding in super comfort.
Features:
- Reinforced steel body
- Easy click SuperLatch for installation
- Foldable design
- FAA approved for air travel
- Slim design
- Infant insert
- 5-point harness
Chicco NextFit Zip Air Convertible Car Seat
Chicco NextFit Zip Air convertible seat is designed to serve your child right from birth all through preschool until they transition to an ordinary car seat. You can expect ten years of service with this convertible seat. It is pricey, but for good value; the best comfort and safety features.
From the rear-facing mode, it is designed to accommodate babies from 5 to 40 pounds, with a removable newborn positioner to give smaller infants a better fit. Forward-facing, it accommodates children weighing between 22 to 65 pounds.
The NextFit Zip Air has a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener and LockSure belt-locking system, making the process very easy and fast whether you use the Latch or vehicle seat belt for installation.
The seat has a well-padded zip-off seat pad and a breathable 3D air mesh backrest to prevent overheating. It is also machine washable.
For safety, it features a DuoGuard side–impact protection with deep rigid and EPS energy-absorbing foam. Additionally, the seat shell is reinforced with a steel frame.
Features:
- 9 recline positions and 9 headrest positions
- SuperCinch Latch Tightener and LockSure belt tightener
- DouGuard side protection with EPS energy-absorbing foam plus a steel-reinforced frame
- Removable newborn insert
- The 3D air mesh backrest
- Dishwasher safe
- Includes a cup holder
Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi-Cosi 3-in-1 lasts up to 10 years from manufacture. It safely accommodates babies as little as 4 pounds up to 40 facing the rear and forward-facing up to 65 pounds and up to 100 pounds in booster mode.
It is well built with soft and thick cushions all over keeping your little one very comfy and safe. Additionally, it has Gcell foam to support and protect your child’s head.
The seat installs easily using the Latch system. Additionally, it has a unique way of adjusting the harness and headrest heights automatically. It also has 3 reclining positions and a harness holder to keep straps out of the way when buckling.
Features:
- 3 reclining positions
- Latch method of installation
- Cell foam to absorbing crash energy
- Harness holders to keep straps out of the way
- Raises harness and headrest automatically
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Primo Viaggio infant car seat expiry
Primo Viaggio is an Italian car seat. It has an expiration period of 7 years from the date of manufacture.
Infant car seat expiration Baby Trend
Baby trend car seats have an expiry of 6 to 10 years depending on the model.
Their Infant Car Seats expire after 6 years. Convertible and Booster car seats expire after 7 years with the top portion and harness expiring after 6 years and the base expiring after 10 years.
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Hi there! I am Ashley Davis, a mom of three kids and the editor here at Motherhoodhq.com. I have been a parent since 2011 and have been doing full-time consulting as a baby sleep expert since 2019. When I am not researching or testing the next baby gear hitting the market, you’ll find me teaching my toddlers a trick or two – especially over the last few months with the lockdown. I hope you’ll find my guides and reviews helpful as you make your next purchase decision. If you have any questions, you can reach me at ashley.d@motherhoodhq.com.