New carseat after 5 years?

I am expecting my 3rd baby in October with my oldest being 4.5 years old. I
have been told a few times that I should be buying a new infant carseat for
this new baby. The infant carseat (carrier) that I have is 5 years old (I
received it from my baby shower in 1999) and has been used by both of my
children. I just assumed that I would use it one last time for new baby.
However, I am hearing that carseats should really be replaced every 5 years at
least to keep up with safety regulations. A friend just attempted to bring her
newborn home from NICU (although he was full-term and 9 pounds) and was not
allowed to use the carseat she had from her 5 year old. The nurse in NICU
kindly asked them to purchase a newly updated version due to safety
regulations.

So, how many of you have purchased new carseats if they are over 5 years old?
Is this something that I should be doing for new baby? Should I be
particularly worried that my infant seat has a 3 point harness vs. 5 point?

Thanks in advance!!

Amber
Mommy to Parker (12/7/99) and Spencer (12/5/01)
Baby Girl due 10/2004!!
"You'll be his first kiss; his first love; his first friend. You are his
mother...and he is your whole life."

On 07 Jun 2004 16:13:32 GMT, ojunk (Amber) wrote:

So, how many of you have purchased new carseats if they are over 5 years old?
Is this something that I should be doing for new baby? Should I be
particularly worried that my infant seat has a 3 point harness vs. 5 point?

Thanks in advance!!

The plastic material can deteriorate over time, especially if the seat
is left in the car and exposed to sun a lot.
We replaced the seat our 4 year old used, for our newborn, but we did
use the old seat for her trip home from the hospital.

Nan

"Amber" wrote in message
...
I am expecting my 3rd baby in October with my oldest being 4.5 years old.
I
have been told a few times that I should be buying a new infant carseat
for
this new baby. The infant carseat (carrier) that I have is 5 years old (I
received it from my baby shower in 1999) and has been used by both of my
children. I just assumed that I would use it one last time for new baby.
However, I am hearing that carseats should really be replaced every 5
years at
least to keep up with safety regulations. A friend just attempted to
bring her
newborn home from NICU (although he was full-term and 9 pounds) and was
not
allowed to use the carseat she had from her 5 year old. The nurse in NICU
kindly asked them to purchase a newly updated version due to safety
regulations.

So, how many of you have purchased new carseats if they are over 5 years
old?
Is this something that I should be doing for new baby? Should I be
particularly worried that my infant seat has a 3 point harness vs. 5
point?

Thanks in advance!!

Amber
Mommy to Parker (12/7/99) and Spencer (12/5/01)
Baby Girl due 10/2004!!
"You'll be his first kiss; his first love; his first friend. You are his
mother...and he is your whole life."

I would feel alot safer using a 5 point harness, is it possible to hire
something? That is what most people do here for the first 6 months.
Alissa