Friday, August 31, 2007

Opinions, please

I recently sent an e-mail to the woman who sold me Jordan's car seat, telling her thanks again, and that it did the job of keeping him safe in the accident. She told me she was glad it held him safe and added that manufacturers say not to use a seat again if it's been in an accident. I researched this a little and found some sites (two of them are here and here). They both say this:

The car seat does not need to be replaced if:

1) There are no cracks or breaks or visible damage to the seat.
2) The car was able to be driven from the crash scene.
3) The vehicle door nearest the seat was undamaged.
4) There were no injuries to any of the vehicle's occupants.
AND
5) The air bags did not deploy.

The car was not able to be driven from the crash scene and I have a minor injury, but the door nearest Jordan was not damaged, the air bags did not deploy and, upon inspection, the car seat still looks perfectly fine (and he rode home in it).

Other sites say it should be replaced no matter what (including the manufacturer of this particular seat). I know it may seem like bad parenting to even consider not replacing the seat when I am so clearly being told that I should, but I'm curious as to what other parents think.

Since the other driver's insurance should pay for it, I will probably replace the seat.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So...I know I'm not a parent, but I would say to replace the carseat, especially if the manufacturer recommends it. Even if you don't see any damage to the car seat, the jarring of the accident probably put stress on some areas and if it were to happen again, the same parts that kept Jordan from moving more than an inch may not hold so strong. There's my two cents. :)

Lani said...

I say replace it--you don't have to pay for it yourself and, if the manufacturer says to, there's probably a reason. I know it's a huge drag, but that's just my take on things. If my kiddos were in an accident, I would be replacing their seats.

Melody C. Bondurant said...

Uh-oh, the opposing side of the story (smile). I've heard people say to never buy a used carseat, because it could have been in a crash...but I have. I think the check list is good, especially about the cracks...However, if they'll give you a free one. Why not?!