The short answer
After a moderate or severe crash, yes: NHTSA recommends replacing the seat. After a minor crash, not necessarily. NHTSA counts a crash as minor only if all five of these are true: the car could be driven away, the door nearest the seat wasn't damaged, nobody was injured, no airbags deployed, and the seat has no visible damage. Check your seat's manual too; some manufacturers say to replace after any crash.
You’re shaken, the car’s at the shop, and now you’re wondering if the car seat is garbage too. Here’s the short version, without the guilt.
The rule
NHTSA recommends replacing a car seat after a moderate or severe crash. After a minor crash, the seat doesn’t automatically need to go.
The catch is that NHTSA has a strict definition of minor. All five of these have to be true:
- The vehicle could be driven away from the crash site.
- The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
- None of the passengers were injured.
- The airbags, if the car has them, did not deploy.
- There is no visible damage to the car seat.
Miss one, and it’s not a minor crash for car seat purposes. The AAP gives parents the same guidance: don’t use a seat that’s been in a moderate or severe crash.
Your manual can be stricter
Some manufacturers say to replace the seat after any crash, full stop. If your manual says that, the manual wins. Find it (it’s usually online under the model number on the seat’s label) and read the crash section before you decide.
“It looks fine”
“No visible damage” is one item on the list. It isn’t the whole test. Damage that matters isn’t always damage you can see, which is exactly why the other four items exist.
Money
Many auto insurers will cover a replacement seat. Ask before you buy, and keep the receipt. If you’re replacing it anyway, my picks are in the car seat guide, and nothing about a crash means you need a pricier seat than the one you had.
Don’t pass it on
A crashed seat shouldn’t be sold or donated. Cut the straps, mark the shell, and throw it out. This is also why you should be careful with a used seat from someone you don’t know: you can’t check a crash history you were never told. More in is a used car seat safe?
Install the new one right
New seat, new install. A tech will check it with you. Find a car seat inspection station near you.
Follow-up questions
What counts as a minor crash for a car seat?
Per NHTSA, all of these must be true: the vehicle could be driven away from the crash site, the door nearest the car seat was not damaged, no passenger was injured, the airbags (if any) did not deploy, and there is no visible damage to the car seat. If any one is false, treat it as moderate or severe.
Does it matter if the baby wasn't in the seat?
Follow NHTSA's criteria and your seat's manual for the crash itself. A seat installed in the car went through the crash whether or not anyone was sitting in it.
Will insurance pay for a new car seat?
Often, but not always. Ask your insurer before you buy, and keep the receipt for the replacement.