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Expert Q&A
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| By Stacy A. Robarge Parent Educator | ||
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I am flying to visit in-laws soon. Should I take my own car seat or is it OK to borrow my sister-in-law's?
I believe that this would be the same situation as purchasing a child safety restraint that has been pre-owned. It is always safer for the child if you know the history of the seat and you are comfortable with the seat. Your sister-in-law I am sure has good intentions as most people do when they offer to lend or sell a used seat to family or friends. Most people do not realize that child safety restraints have a maximum life of 8 years, recommended 6 years. If a seat has been in a crash the plastic could be compromised as well as the harness straps. Long time storage of a seat can also compromise the plastic and the webbing. Older seats could also be on recall for defects or outdated design.
I would recommend to you that you take your seat with you because you are familiar with the history of the seat and you are comfortable using the seat. Call the airline that you plan to travel on and ask if they would allow you to carry the seat on to the plane and store it in a closet so that the seat is not thrown around by handlers. If your seat is certified by the FAA (federal aviation administration) you may be able to use your seat in flight. Check your owner?s manual for this information. If the airline requires you to check the seat as luggage be sure to wrap the seat well, and tie rope or string around the outside of the wrapping so that baggage handlers are not using the webbing to lift and move the seat.
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More Answers by this Expert
- Are the straps on the car seat harness supposed to be above or below the child's shoulders?
- Do all states have the same laws regarding how old a child has to be before they can stop using a car seat?
- When traveling a long distance by car, my husband will sometimes lean my daughter's car seat way back so she can sleep better. Is this safe?
- I am flying to visit in-laws soon. Should I take my own car seat or is it OK to borrow my sister-in-law?s?
- What can I do to make a long car trip easier on my newborn?