At Car Seat Ninja, we understand that raising children can be expensive — and sometimes a second-hand car seat might seem like a cost-effective solution. But when it comes to safety, this is one area where cutting corners can carry real risks.
Why We Don’t Recommend Second-Hand Car Seats
Car seats are designed to do one job — protect your child in the event of a crash — and they are rigorously tested to ensure they do that job once. After a significant impact, or even just from long-term use, a seat may no longer function the way it was intended. That’s why many car seat manufacturers recommend retiring a seat after an accident or after a certain number of years.
The trouble with second-hand car seats is that their full history is rarely known — and without that knowledge, you can’t be confident that the seat will still perform in a crash.
Hidden Risks You Might Not See
Even if a car seat looks fine on the outside, it might still be unsafe. Here are just a few of the potential risks:
🚫 Unknown crash history
If the seat was in a collision or dropped from a height, it could have sustained internal damage — even if the shell looks intact.
🚫 Missing or broken components
It’s surprisingly common for used seats to be missing small parts — such as insert cushions, locking clips, or routing guides — and even a single missing piece can prevent the seat from functioning correctly.
🚫 Outdated safety standards
Safety testing evolves constantly. Older car seats may not meet the most current regulations.
🚫 Missing instruction manual or labels
Installation errors are one of the leading causes of car seat misuse. Without the original manual and safety labels, it’s far easier to install the seat incorrectly — potentially making it unsafe in a crash.
🚫 Mould or material degradation
Seats that have been stored in garages, lofts, or sheds may have been exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. This can lead to weakened plastics, rusted buckles, or even hidden mould inside the padding.
🚫 Cleaned with harsh chemicals
To remove mould or heavy dirt, second-hand seats are sometimes cleaned with strong chemicals that can degrade the harness or padding — and may also irritate your child’s skin or lungs.
🚫 Counterfeit car seats
Some second-hand or auction sites sell fake seats that don’t meet any safety standards. These can look legitimate at a glance, but may crumble in a crash. Buying directly from a trusted retailer helps you avoid this risk.
What if buying new isn’t an option?
We understand that a brand-new car seat isn’t always financially feasible. If you absolutely must use a second-hand seat, here are some non-negotiables:
- Get it from someone you know and trust — ideally a close friend or family member
- Confirm it has never been in a crash, dropped, or damaged
- Ensure it comes with all original parts, labels, and instruction manual
- Check the expiry date or manufacturer's recommended lifespan
- Inspect for signs of wear, mould, or damage
- Double-check it hasn’t been recalled by the manufacturer
A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t trust the person to look after your child, don’t trust their seat.
Looking for Safer Alternatives?
If you’re on a tight budget, please speak to us. We may be able to suggest:
- Lower-cost brand-new seats that still meet the latest safety standards
- Flash sales or clearance stock
- Flexible payment plans or discount promotions
- Support in prioritising the most appropriate safety features for your child’s age, size, and vehicle
Our mission is to make child passenger safety as accessible and straightforward as possible — without judgement. If you’re unsure whether your current seat is safe, or need help choosing a more affordable alternative, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We’re always here to help.