When do Graco car seats expire?

Graco's expiration policy

Graco defines useful life by construction, not by a single number. Belt-positioning boosters and car seats with a steel-reinforced belt path are good for 10 years from the date of manufacture. Car seats with a plastic-reinforced belt path are good for 7 years. Most of Graco's current flagship seats, including the 4Ever line, Extend2Fit, and SlimFit, fall in the 10-year group.

Graco's infant car seats are the main exception. Current SnugRide models expire 7 years after the date of manufacture, and infant seats made before 2011 had a 6-year life. A handful of older or budget models such as the ComfortSport and Classic Ride 50 also carry 7-year lifespans.

Graco stamps a date of manufacture on every seat rather than an expiration date, so you calculate expiration yourself: find the date of manufacture on the label, then add the useful life for your model. If you are unsure which lifespan applies, Graco's customer service line (1-800-345-4109) is staffed with certified child passenger safety technicians who can confirm it from your model number.

Where is the expiration label on a Graco seat?

The date of manufacture is printed on a white label on the seat, typically on the back or bottom of the plastic shell (on infant seats, check the underside of the carrier and the base). The label shows the model number, serial number, and date of manufacture; most Graco seats do not print the expiration date itself.

After a crash

Graco is stricter than the federal minimum: it recommends replacing the car seat after any type of accident, even a minor one, and even if the child was not in the seat at the time. Graco's reasoning is that crash forces can cause internal structural damage you cannot see. Crash damage is not covered by warranty; Graco directs families to their auto insurance and will provide documentation stating the seat must be replaced.

Flying with a Graco seat

Graco's harnessed car seats are certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Look for the certification statement, usually printed in red, on a label on the side of the seat. Infant seats install on aircraft without the base, and boosters cannot be used on planes at all because aircraft seats have lap belts only.

Register your seat at gracobaby.com so Graco can contact you about recalls. The registration card and the label carry the model number and date of manufacture you need.

Graco periodically runs trade-in events for expired seats; otherwise cut the harness, remove the cover, and mark the shell before disposal so the seat cannot be reused.