When To Buy A New Car Seat May 2026

It’s time to switch to a convertible seat when the top of your baby's head is within 1 inch of the top of the car seat shell.

You may not need to replace it after a "minor" crash if: The vehicle was driven away from the crash. The door nearest the car seat was undamaged. No occupants were injured. The airbags did not deploy. There is no visible damage to the car seat. Pro-Tip: The "Hand-Me-Down" Check when to buy a new car seat

Do you have a for your child right now that you're trying to size for? It’s time to switch to a convertible seat

Children usually outgrow their seats by before they hit the maximum weight limit. No occupants were injured

If you are considering a used seat, only accept it if you the previous owner to give you an honest crash history and you can verify the seat hasn't been part of a recall.