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 or trusted retailers 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. However, before you do, 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 back. 

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 all car seats: the GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check. 

Our in-house Child Passenger Safety Technician, Amanda Brown, oversees this process. Here’s a closer look at that inspection process, and what to check for at home before you sell your quality used car seat with us. 

1. The Seat is Two or More Years From Expiration

All car seats accepted for resale at GoodBuy Gear must be two or more years from expiration. On average, car seats have a lifespan of six to 10 years due to wear and tear and evolving safety standards. So, to ensure the car seat you’re selling can serve the next family for a worthwhile amount of time, the car seat must be at least two years from the date of expiration. 

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 can not sell it. Instead, look into recycling programs or trade-in events. 

3. The Seat Has Never Been in a Crash 

Whether selling through us 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 will not be accepted for resale. As an additional safeguard, we have all sellers sign a legally binding attesting certifying they are the original owner of the car seat and it has never been in a crash. 

4. All Labels and Parts Are Present 

Before selling your car seat with us, you should 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 and it does not include the infant insert, you will not be able to sell your car seat with us because the infant insert is required. 

As mentioned, you can find what parts are required in your car seat owner’s manual. Before selling your car seat with us, make sure your manual includes all of its pages. If you do not have the car seat manual, we will include one for you. However, we will charge an extra $5 printing fee. 

On top of all the necessary parts being included, please 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. 

4. 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. If you have done this, you can not sell your car seat with us. 

5. No Excessive Wear and Tear 

We only accept quality used car seats for sale. That means we will not accept car seats that show signs of excessive use or wear and tear. They must also be in good working order. 

Minimal surface stains are OK, but if your car seat has dents, bends, deep scratches, open seams, damaged fabric, frayed edges, broken parts or cracks in the seat or base, we will not accept it for resale.

6. 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.

7. Schedule a Pickup or Drop-Off

If your car seat qualifies across the above criteria, then it’s time to schedule a drop-off or pickup selling service with us. You can do that, by hitting the button below. 

As a reminder, you will be required to sign a legally binding seller attestation certifying you are the original owner of the car seat and can verify the car seat’s history. 

Disclaimer: There is an additional processing fee to cover the full 30-point GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check. This includes cleaning, photographing, listing for resale, buyer communication and more. 

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 is a family member, a close friend or a trusted retailer (like us) that does extensive safety checks, you are in good hands. 

Our goal in creating the GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check was to provide a trustworthy and convenient way to keep gently used car seats in circulation longer and to provide more accessible options for all families. 

When you sell your used car seat with GoodBuy Gear instead of throwing it away, you’re protecting the environment for future generations and providing more accessible options for other families to purchase gently used car seats. 

If you have questions regarding our GoodBuy™ Car Seat Safety Check please 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.