Can You Sell a Used Car Seat? Secondhand Car Seat Guide

This article was reviewed by Amanda Brown, CPST.

Yes, you can sell a car seat as long as it is in clean, working condition, has never been in a vehicle motor crash, is not modified in any way and is not expired or recalled.

Buying and selling used car seats is a bit of a taboo topic. While some parents are wary to purchase a used car seat, it is not illegal to sell a used car seat in the U.S. as long as it is not recalled.

On average, our little ones go through at least two different car seats in their lifetime. And car seats aren't exactly cheap. The average cost of a new car seat is about $150, with more sophisticated models running as much as $300 or more.

Because of these costs, many people look to friends, family, local consignment shops or peer-to-peer marketplaces for hand-me-downs or cheaper alternatives. If this is a route you're taking, we get it. And if you're looking to get rid of your gently used seat in a more sustainable way, we get that too. Either way, it's important to know how to go about it the right way.

How to Sell Your Car Seat Confidently

Whether your little one has outgrown their seat or your current one didn't work out, selling your car seat is a sustainable way to dispose of it and recoup some of your money.

Over an extensive 12-month research and testing period, we worked with a car seat design, engineering and safety consultant to develop a 30-point proprietary safety inspection process for car seats: the GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check. Every car seat we sell passes this inspection before it's listed, so you always know exactly what standard to hold a secondhand seat to.

Our in-house Child Passenger Safety Technician, Amanda Brown, oversees this process. Here's a closer look at what that inspection checks for, so you know what to look for when selling (or buying) a used car seat yourself.

1. The Seat Is Two or More Years From Expiration

A car seat that's too close to its expiration date isn't worth much to a buyer. On average, car seats have a lifespan of six to 10 years due to wear and tear and evolving safety standards. As a general rule of thumb, a seat should be at least two years from its expiration date to be worth reselling.

To find the expiration date of your car seat, check your car seat for a white label/sticker that includes the date of manufacture or look at the car seat manual.

2. The Seat Is Not Recalled

It is against the law to resell any recalled product, and this especially applies to car seats. To check if your car seat has been recalled, find the model number of your seat (typically on the same white label as your expiration date) and visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. If your car seat has been recalled, you cannot sell it. Instead, look into recycling programs or trade-in events.

3. The Seat Has Never Been in a Crash

Whether selling to someone or handing it down, you should know the full history of your car seat before giving it to another family. This includes any crashes you may have been in, whether a small fender bender or a severe collision.

If your child's car seat has been in a vehicle motor crash, no matter how small, it should not be resold or passed along. Be upfront about a seat's crash history with anyone you sell or give it to.

4. All Labels and Parts Are Present

Before selling your car seat, check that all necessary parts and labels are present according to your car seat manual. For example, if you are selling an infant car seat, it should include the infant insert if your model requires one.

As mentioned, you can find what parts are required in your car seat owner's manual. Missing the manual? Many manufacturers offer a digital copy on their website, or you can contact them directly for a replacement.

On top of all the necessary parts being included, check that:

• The harness and harness straps are not impaired or frayed
• All original manufacturer accessories are included
• All car seat labels are intact and legible

Not sure where to find certain car seat labels? Check out our guide to deciphering car seat labels.

5. Not Modified

Some parents will modify their car seat to make it more comfortable for their child, anything from adding boards to modifying straps in any way. A modified car seat should never be sold or passed along, since it no longer meets the manufacturer's safety standards.

6. No Excessive Wear and Tear

A sellable car seat shouldn't show signs of excessive use or wear and tear, and it should still be in good working order.

Minimal surface stains are OK, but dents, bends, deep scratches, open seams, damaged fabric, frayed edges, broken parts or cracks in the seat or base are all signs a seat should be retired rather than resold.

7. Cleaned Properly

Before selling your car seat, please clean it properly according to your car seat manual. For example, some materials will require specific cleaning products. Your car seat manual will include information on how to clean your car seat properly.

Once your car seat has passed all seven checks, you can feel confident listing it through a local consignment shop or a peer-to-peer marketplace like Facebook Marketplace. Whoever buys it, be upfront about its full history, including expiration date and whether it's ever been in a crash.

Learn More About Where and How to Sell Baby Gear

Should I Buy a Used Car Seat?

Ultimately, whether or not you purchase a used car seat is up to you, the caregiver. Purchasing used offers many benefits including a positive environmental impact and a cheaper price point. In fact, buying baby gear used can reduce the carbon footprint of the item by 82%.

If you do decide to buy a used car seat, it's important to purchase used from a trusted source. Whether it's a family member, a close friend or a trusted retailer, you want to know the seat's full history and condition.

Every car seat sold on GoodBuy Gear passes our GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check, the same 30-point inspection described above, so you can shop our car seats knowing each one has been vetted by a Child Passenger Safety Technician for expiration, recalls, crash history, missing parts, wear and cleanliness.

Buying secondhand keeps gently used car seats in circulation longer and makes trusted brands more accessible to more families, all while protecting the environment for future generations.

Have questions about the GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check? Reach out to connect@goodbuygear.com

Have questions about your specific car seat? Book an appointment with a CPST through Tot Squad to get the professional help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a used car seat?
Yes, as long as it's in clean, working condition, has never been in a vehicle crash, hasn't been modified and isn't expired or recalled.

Does GoodBuy Gear buy car seats from parents?
Not currently. GoodBuy Gear is not accepting car seats or other gear from parents for resale at this time. Every car seat sold through GoodBuy Gear still passes our 30-point GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check.

How do I check if my car seat has been recalled?
Find your seat's model number on its white label and search it on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Is it safe to buy a used car seat?
Yes, as long as it comes from a trusted source and you can verify its expiration date, recall status and crash history. Every car seat sold on GoodBuy Gear is inspected against all of these standards before it's listed.