When do Cybex car seats expire?

Cybex's expiration policy

Cybex states that all of its car seats have an expiration date, ranging from 6 to 10 years depending on the type and function of the seat. The period of use is indicated on a label on the product and repeated in the product instructions, so the seat itself tells you its window.

For the US lineup: Cybex infant seats, including the Aton G and Cloud G Lux, are certified for 6 years from the date of manufacture. Among convertibles, the Sirona S is certified for 10 years, while the earlier Sirona M carried an 8-year life. Cybex's reasoning for expiration is that plastics deteriorate with vehicle heat and UV exposure.

When a Cybex seat reaches its expiration, the company recommends recycling it through a local community recycling center rather than passing it on.

Where is the expiration label on a Cybex seat?

The date of manufacture and expiration information are on a sticker on the seat; on infant seats it is on the bottom of the carrier. The period of use is also stated in the instruction manual.

After a crash

Cybex advises replacing a car seat that has been involved in an accident, because hairline cracks in the plastic can be invisible while still compromising protection. US manuals instruct owners to stop using a seat after a crash; contact Cybex or the retailer with the crash details before reusing any Cybex seat, and lean on your auto insurance for the replacement.

Flying with a Cybex seat

Cybex infant seats such as the Aton and Cloud models are FAA approved and install on aircraft without the base. Not every Cybex convertible is aircraft certified: the US-market Sirona S does not carry aircraft certification. Check your seat's label for the certification statement before flying.

Cybex publishes US safety information at its Safety Center, including expiration guidance and recall notices; the Aton G was subject to a US recall notice, so run your serial number through the recall lookup when buying or inheriting one.