More on car seats...

Yep, though we generally are a relaxed couple I tend to have my waves of worry and anxiety. Currently I'm in a tizzy (stomach ache and all) about these darn car seat laws, recalls, and expirations... (Sigh) As of 2010, Texas requires any child (8 and under) shorter than 4'9" to use a restraint system. Previous law required a child restraint system only for children (5 and under) and less than 36 inches tall. Don't get me wrong I want both my kiddos to be as safe as possible. We seem to be in the car a lot and I want them protected. I just get overwhelmed with all the changing laws, the never ending recalls, and learning that most of these products are made of plastic yet all expire. Most car seats have an expiration date on one of the manufacturer labels. If there's no expiration date listed then use the date of manufacture and consult the car seat owners' manual. Here's a good one: manufacturers don't recommend storing them in garages or attics because the extreme heat or cold can shorten the seat's lifespan. That's interesting because when my car sits in the Texas summer sun it's far hotter than my garage gets. I've been told; the rule of thumb is that car seats expire five to six years from the date of manufacture. Though, when/if the vehicle is ever in an accident (even minor), the child safety seat should be replaced immediately. Wow, this can get really expensive to keep up with! I’m in the wrong business I should be making/selling car seats – with the laws requiring use and constant supply of kiddos talk about job security.

Info for Texas parents, grandparents, and ‘taxis’

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/carseat.htm