Is It OK to Buy a Car Seat from an Online Auction?

A: Buying car seats online is OK if you follow a few rules and pick the right car seat. Generally, the car seats sold online via stores are new in their boxes and are just as safe as buying from your local stores. Be sure to find out about online stores' return policies before ordering, though. Not every car seat works in every car, so you may need to return your car seat if it's not a good fit.

Buying car seats from internet auctions is a bit trickier. For the most part, car seats that are sold as "new in box" are safe to purchase. Ask for the date of manufacture or expiration if it isn't listed, in case the car seat was part of an overstock that sat on a shelf for years. The rule of thumb is that car seats expire 5 years from the date of manufacture.

Used car seats present a bigger problem when you're buying sight unseen, and you should exercise extreme caution on these purchases. First, you have to take the seller's word that the car seat has not been involved in a crash. Second, you can't tell if all of the original parts are still there and in working order. Third, many used car seats sold in online auctions are downright dangerous because they are very old, are in poor condition or are models that are recalled or no longer manufactured due to safety issues. If the car seat that arrives is unsafe and can't be used, you haven't done your budget any favors.

If you must buy a used car seat from an online auction, check the date of manufacture or expiration. If the car seat is nearing the 5 year mark, you won't be able to safely use it for long. If it's over 5 years old, do not buy it. Search online for the brand and model to be sure there are no safety recalls on the car seat, and be sure that the style hasn't been discontinued for safety issues. Check the auction pictures to see if the harness straps and cover are in good condition, and that there is no visible damage to the car seat. Ask the seller about the car seat's crash history, and ask for confirmation that all of the original parts are present and will arrive with the car seat. If the instruction book is missing, check to see if you can find one online or by calling the manufacturer. You'll need the instructions in order to learn to use the car seat correctly.

Heather Corley is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. You can mail your questions about car seats or other baby products to babyproducts.guide@about.com