When Do Graco Car Seats Expire? – All About Graco Car Seat Expiration
If you have read this, how to check if your car seat is expired, maybe you came from there, you would have been familiar with car seat expiration. Not to worry, this article here is all about Graco car seat expiration, why the seats expire, when do Graco car seats expire, and more and more questions you have going on in mind right now.
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One of the essentials of living is safety. When we go grocery shopping, we care about the shelf life of food and check the expiry date before we decide to buy.
The surprising thing here is that car seats also expire. Car seats that are made primarily for your child’s safety during a ride will expire after a certain number of years that the manufacturer estimates it would be safe for. They determine this from a test called “life cycle testing.”
That was a brief on car seat expiration generally. Now let’s look into Graco car seat expiration.
Do Graco Car Seats Expire, and When Do Graco Car Seats Expire?
The answer is straight up Yes. Graco car seats expire just like every other car seat brand like Britax, Chicco, Cosco, Diono, and Safety 1st, which I have covered. You may be interested to read anyone.
However, a common thing across all brands is that they have quite a long range of years it will last for, which is significant enough until your child outgrows using a restraint system.
But assuming you are budget conscious and wouldn’t want to buy car seats at every stage of your child’s growth, you may want to consider an all-in-one car seat that can be used from birth up to adolescence (rear-facing, forward-facing, and as booster seats). This topic, types of car seats by age & car seat stages will be sufficient to teach you a lot on types of seat.
And suppose you are ‘lucky’ enough you stay in a state where seat belts are allowed as early as for school-aged children like in Alaska, California, Colorado, and many other States. In that case, the all-in-one will serve very well till its expiry date, and your child can begin using the car seat belt.
Every state’s infant car seat laws have been covered, and you can peruse through to see a state relevant to you and make a decision based on the laws.
But also note, your child’s safety is paramount, and you must not compromise when it comes to that.
How Long Are Graco Car Seats Good For
On the other hand, Graco car seats have a useful life of 7 – 10 years. That means Graco car seats are good for as long as 7 years for the plastic-reinforced belt path car seats and 10 years for the belt-positioning booster seats and steel-reinforced belt path car seats.
Car seat expiration Graco is calculated by adding this useful life to the date of manufacture to obtain the expiration date.
A simple calculation will be:
Date of Manufacture + Useful Life = Expiration Date
Practical example:
Date of Manufacture (03/25/2022) + Useful Life for a Graco steel-reinforced booster (10 years) = Expiration Date of 03/25/2032
Next, we’ll be looking at why car seats expire.
Why Do Car Seats Expire?
By now, you should be more relaxed already as you have been learning and understanding the concepts of car seat expiration.
Because of where a car seat spends the most of its useful life – right inside the car – it is exposed to different weather condition (heat and cold through summer and winter) over the years, which degrades the car seat materials and compromise the integrity.
Beyond just weather alone, inevitable wear and tear are bound to occur. Even though the weather factor also contributes to wear and tear, regular usage also has its role. Your child is always in the seat, turns around, plays, teething, etc. All these little things lead to tiny fractures here and there that are not visible to the eyes but cause structural damage.
Going on, advancement in technology leads to newer and better safety features that are introduced to newer car seats. Same way, safety regulations are changed to align with such new development. Everyone is required to adopt the new system, and as such, every seat anyone should be using at a time should meet the latest safety laws.
Graco does very well in innovations and is always up to date with safety standards. You can be sure that beyond federal safety standards, any model is superb.
Graco Car Seat Base Expiration
One of the questions that fill the minds of enthusiastic parents and mothers is, do Graco car seat bases expire?
Graco car seat bases, just like the main car seat itself, also expire simultaneously. Graco car seat base expiration date is the same as the car seat itself. The expiration date (date of manufacture) can be found on the car seat manual they accompany, on the car seat, and the base.
However, if you had to buy a separate base at any time, you have to check for the date of manufacture.
Graco Car Seat Expiration Dates
Now we shall be looking at expiration dates across categories of Graco car seats.
Graco Infant Car Seat Expiration Dates
In the arsenal of Graco Infant Car seats are the models like the SnugRide® series. Graco follows the American Academy of Pediatrics for an infant car seat’s duration and weight requirement. Graco, therefore, produces their infant car seats to accommodate infants and toddlers within the weight and height of 4-65 lbs. and 35″ respectively.
The following are Graco car seat expiration dates for convertibles as available on Graco:
| Model | Useful life - Expiration Date | Location of DOM | Manual (PDF Download) | Weight Limit | Height Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SnugRide® SnugLock® 35 | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
SnugRide® SnugFit 35 DLX | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
SnugRide® 35 Lite LX | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
SnugRide® SnugFit 35 LX | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
) SnugRide® SnugLock® 35 Elite | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
SnugRide® SnugFit 35 Elite | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
SnugRide® SnugFit 35 | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" | |
SnugRide® 35 Lite | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on the back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 35" |
Graco Convertible Car Seats Expiration Dates
Graco convertible car seats are suitable for infants and toddlers 4-65 lbs and up to 49” tall.
All Graco convertible car seats are Graco ProtectPlus Engineered and use a combination of the most rigorous crash tests in the industry to help protect your little bundle of Joy.
Here is how to choose a convertible car seat.
The following are Graco car seat expiration dates for convertibles:
| Model | Useful life - Expiration Date | Location of DOM | Manual (PDF Download) | Weight Limit | Height Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Contender™ Slim | 7 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” | |
Extend2Fit® | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” | |
TrioGrow™ SnugLock® 3-in-1 Car Seat | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” | |
Sequence™ 65 Platinum | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | PDF manual | 4-65 lbs. | 49” |
Contender™ 65 | 7 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” | |
Sequel™ 65 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” | |
Size4Me™ 65 Rapid Remove | 7 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” | |
Admiral™ 65 Convertible Car Sea | 7 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-65 lbs. | 49” |
Graco All-in-One Car Seats Expiration
Graco all-in-one car seats are suitable for growing kids’ weight and height 4-120 lbs. and up to 57” (4 ft 9 in.) tall.
Do you remember earlier my recommendation of the all-in-one car seat? This is the real deal.
The following are Graco car seat expiration dates for All-in-One:
| Model | Useful life - Expiration Date | Location of DOM | Manual (PDF Download) | Weight Limit | Height Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | ||
4Ever® DLX SnugLock® 4-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | |
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
Milestone™ 3-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | |
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
4Ever® DLX SnugLock® Grow™ 4-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on the bottom of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | |
4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | |
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-110lbs | Up to 57" | ||
TrioGrow™ SnugLock® 3-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" | |
Graco® Premier 4Ever® DLX Extend2Fit® 4-in-1featuring Anti-Rebound Bar, Savoy™ Collection | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | |
10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" | ||
4Ever® 4-in-1 Convertible featuring Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 4-120lbs | Up to 57" | |
Milestone® 3-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | - | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" |
Landmark® 3-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" | |
TrioGrow™ SnugLock® LX 3-in-1 | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 5-100lbs | Up to 57" |
Graco Harness Booster Car Seats Expiration
Graco® harness booster seats are suitable for growing kids from weigh 22-120 lbs. All the seats have a 5-point harness and can be transitioned to a belt-positioning booster.
There are, however, many straps on this model, including the harness straps. Here, you will learn how to loosen straps on Graco car seats.
The following are Graco car seat expiration dates for harness boosters:
| Model | Useful life - Expiration Date | Location of DOM | Manual (PDF Download) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nautilus® 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 10 years - after date of manufacture | label on back of the car seat | 22-120lbs | |
Atlas™ 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on back of the car seat | 22-120lbs | |
Tranzitions™ 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on back of the car seat | 22-120lbs | |
Tranzitions® SnugLock® 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 7 years - after date of manufacture | label on back of the car seat | 22-120lbs | |
Nautilus® 65 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster | 10 years - after date of manufacture | label on back of the car seat | 22-120lbs |
Graco Belt-Positioning Car Seat Expiration Dates
Now your kid should be a big boy/girl now. They need a big kid ride. Just about time, the belt-positioning car seat.
Graco belt-positioning car seat can well accommodate your kids from 40-120 lbs. and 43” tall.
The following are Graco car seat expiration dates for belt-positioning seats:
| Model | Useful life - Expiration Date | Location of DOM | Manual (PDF Download) | Weight Limit | Height Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Turbobooster® Backless | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 40-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
TurboBooster® Stretch | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 40-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
TurboBooster® Highback | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 40-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
AFFIX™ Highback Booster Seat with Latch System | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on the bottom of the car seat | 40-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
RightGuide™ Portable Seat Belt Trainer™
only compatible the TurboBooster Grow seat. DO NOT use with any other car seat. | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on the bottom of the car seat | 50-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
TurboBooster® LX Backless Booster with LATCH | *10 years - after date of manufacture | *sticker on back of the car seat | - | 40-110lbs | 43"-57" |
AFFIX™ Backless Booster with Latch System | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on the bottom of the car seat | 40-110lbs | up to 57" | |
Turbobooster® Grow™ Highback Booster featuring RightGuide™ Seat Belt Trainer™ | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on the bottom of the car seat | 40-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
TurboBooster® LX Highback Booster with Latch System | 10 years - after date of manufacture | sticker on back of the car seat | 40-120lbs | 43"-60" | |
What Next When Your Car Seat Expires?
Now that you understand more about car seat expiration, most especially when do Graco car seats expire, next will be to know what to do with an expired Graco seat.
Graco has the following recommendations:
First, you should discontinue using such expired seat immediately.
Next, you should dispose of the car seat in a way no one can use it. In other words, it should be ‘destroyed.’
This should be done by removing the car seat cover, cutting the harness away then writing “DO NOT USE, EXPIRED.” Then you should put it in a black garbage bag and then dispose of it or go to a recycling center.
Then, you buy a new replacement seat according to your child’s weight and height.
There are campaign programs that encourage recycling and offer coupon rewards for your replacement purchase on recycling.
An example is the Target’s Car Seat Trade-In, which in partnership with Waste Management, recycles old, expired, and damaged car seat and use the materials for new products like pallets, plastic buckets, carpet padding, and more.
Resource to Other Brand Manufacturer's Expiration Dates
While you may still be interested in learning the expiration dates on other brands, I have articles written on the following brands:
Final Wrap Up
I hope I have enlightened you a bit more on Graco Car Seats Expiration, the reasons why car seats expire, expiry dates of the different Graco models, and more importantly, understanding the safety concerns on why expired seats should not be reused and how they can be disposed of.
More interesting articles to keep you going here.
Cheers to a great future with your children.
