Buying a Used Car Seat

Updated 7/25/23

Mention a car seat, and you have our attention. Over the years, we have had frequent calls from customers asking about used car seats. We decided to sell used car seats ourselves for two reasons. First, we strongly believe in using car seats and booster seats. They save lives. Second, we use very strict standards before accepting a secondhand car seat.

We firmly believe that car seats and restraints should always be used for kids the law says should be in a car seat or on a booster seat. In Arizona, this includes kids who are:

All children under five years old
Children up to eight years old who are 4’9″ tall or less must be in a car seat or car booster seat

Everyone else in a moving vehicle must be restrained by shoulder and lap belts. Passengers who are not buckled up can get ticketed and have points put on their licenses, too.

Graco toddler car seat — Captains chair-style Graco car seat

Are Used Car Seats Safe for My Kid?

Many people will only buy brand-new car seats. We encourage everyone who buys a new or used car seat to adopt our practice of regularly checking the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for car-related recalls. Click on the tab for Car Seats.

We sell used car seats that are not past the expiration date and have satisfied our consignment checks for damage such as rips, tears, holes, cracks, stains, and defects. We make sure all parts are securely in place and work properly, including straps and buckles. We reject combination car seats/infant carriers if the carrying handle is damaged. This has nothing to do with installing the seat, but everything about infant safety. And we reject items that smell or are dirty.

As we’ve said before, if we wouldn’t use it, we wouldn’t let it go to your home (or in this case, your vehicle).

Our consigners are thoughtful people. They know we won’t accept items that don’t look gently used or aren’t clean. They wouldn’t dream of offering us shoddy products.

Many customers have saved instruction pamphlets and registration information with car seats, furniture, strollers, and other durable items they consign with us. These documents include information about proper installation, which can also be found on manufacturer websites.

We use these documents to check UPC codes and other identification for recalls through the USCPSC website. We do this with furniture, strollers, and toys as well.

Who Buys Used Car Seats?

Many of our customers who buy used car seats from us are grandparents, other relatives, or friends expecting visitors, including a young child.

Some parents also buy a car seat from us to have an extra one on hand for emergencies or to transport other children.

Urbini used car set with detachable infant carrier.

If a customer seems uncertain about buying a used car seat, we encourage them to buy a new one. We will never do a “hard sell” for any item in our store. We don’t want any customer to be less than 100% satisfied with a purchase from AZ Kidz n More.

Make Sure Your Car Seat is Installed Right

Regardless of where your car seat originates, you must make sure it is properly installed.

Too many people don’t understand how to install a car seat. It isn’t always easy or obvious. NHTSA’s website has a lot of information about different types of car seats and booster seats. We also recommend these videos: