Yes, car seats in Australia do have recommended expiry dates, generally 10 years from the date of manufacture, due to material degradation, wear and tear, and evolving safety standards, even though it's a guideline, not a strict law. You should always replace seats older than 10 years, or those involved in a crash, as their plastic can weaken and straps fray, compromising safety. Check for the Date of Manufacture (DOM) on a sticker or stamped on the seat's plastic shell.
How long do car seats last? There's no specific law in place around the age of car seats. However, over the long term, modern child restraints and boosters in Australia typically have an expiration date — usually 10 years after manufacture.
A car seat that has been used for less than about 5 years is generally fine. One that is older than 10 years is usually really not fine and needs to be thrown out.
Finding an expiration or a manufacturing date on a car seat or a base shouldn't be too difficult to locate. It's usually a sticker on the car seat base and car seat, or it's embossed directly into the plastic.
Car seats can be used safely only for a defined period of time, typically 7 to 10 years. Think about it: Your car seat goes through a lot during its useful life.
Car seat expiration dates vary by manufacturer and model, but on average, most seats last between about six and 10 years. In general, manufacturers aim to set a car seat's expiration date roughly to match the seat's designed length of use.
When a car safety seat expires, it can no longer adequately protect its rider during a crash. It might also develop issues that can make it unsafe or uncomfortable for your child. Manufacturers put expiration dates on car seats because of changing standards and wear and tear, among other reasons.
Car seats expire after 7-10 years from the date of manufacture depending on the type of seat. Most infant carriers are at the 7 year mark. I periodically check the car seats that parents bring into our center because I want to make sure that the seats are still safe for the children to ride in!
It is most frequently on the side of the car seat, and is a sticker. It can be on the bottom of the car seat for infant car seats.
In Australia, children under 7 must use an approved, properly fitted child restraint (rearward-facing for under 6 months, then forward-facing or booster with harness until 4, then booster with sash belt until 7). Children aged 7 and over should use a suitable restraint or an adult lap-sash belt if they pass the 5-step test (back against seat, knees bend at edge, lap belt low on hips, sash belt across shoulder, can stay seated). All seats must meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754.
“Infant only car seat bases generally have a six-year lifespan.” Car seat bases expire due the same reasons as those for the car seat itself.
Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt. You can choose a child car seat based on your child's height or weight.
What's New: Key Changes Parents Must Follow From 10 December 2025. Mandatory annual safety check for all child restraints used by children under 8. Prohibition on forward-facing seats for children under 12kg, regardless of age. Booster seats must include a top tether, even in older cars previously exempt.
Car seats typically last 7 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. To know for certain, look for a label on the car seat or refer to the user manual. On this label, you will usually find either an expiration date or a manufacturing date.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you replace your child's car seat every five to six years. The AAP also recommends that you check the expiration date on the car seat, which is typically stamped on the bottom or back of the seat.
Anything more than 10 years old should not be used. Check the condition: Check carefully to ensure that all parts are in good condition, there are no signs of wear and tear, and that the buckle clicks in place securely. Know the history: Sometimes damage might not be obvious.
Finding an expiration or a manufacturing date on a car seat or a base shouldn't be too difficult to locate. It's usually a sticker on the car seat base and car seat, or it's embossed directly into the plastic.
Maxi-Cosi car seat expiration date*: Maxi-Cosi car seats have among the longest useful lifespans, from 8 to 12 years. The Mico 30 has a lifespan of 8 years; Mico Max 30, 8 years; Mico Max Plus, 8 years; Magellan, 12 years; Pria 3-in-1, 10 years; Pria 3-in-1 Max, 10 years.
Normal Wear and Tear
One of the most important reasons car seats have an expiration date is the potential for environmental factors to naturally degrade car seat materials over time. Car seat components, like straps that stretch and loosen, need to fit a specific way to remain safe as originally designed.
5 years is typically the expiration for car seats. Plastics become more brittle as they age and that's not what you want in something intended to stay safe in a crash.
Police can, however, issue tickets to parents using an expired car seat. According to the Michigan State Police, if the expired car seat results in a lack of proper restraint for the child, according to the manufacturer's instructions, a state police officer may issue a citation.
If you've ever looked at the back of your child's car seat, you've probably noticed something surprising—an expiration date. Like milk, most car seats come with a shelf life, typically around 6 to 10 years. After that, manufacturers recommend replacing the seat, even if it looks like it's in good condition.
The average lifespan of a car seat can vary between 6 to 10 years based on the platform. However, factors like the seat's usage frequency, environmental conditions, and manufacturer recommendations can also influence how long a car seat lasts.