One of the most expensive and crucial pieces of baby gear is a car seat. Parents frequently want to use them again for as many infants as they can!
But you must be deliberate about your long-term storage options if you want the car seat to keep its integrity year after year.
If you’re looking for advice on how to store a car seat, You’re at the right spot.
The most effective way to keep car seats secure, clean, and in good condition for future usage is to store them.
This blog post will teach you the following:
- Why it’s important to properly store a car seat
- How to get your vehicle seat ready for storage
- The ideal locations for car seat storage
- Tips for maintaining the condition of your car seat when it’s not in use
To make it simple for you to remember all the instructions, download our car seat storage checklist at the end of this blog post.
What Could Go Wrong If You Store a Car Seat Improperly?
Improperly storing a car seat can lead to several problems. The seat could fade with time, be harmed by bugs, grow mold, or be unnecessarily exposed to heat and light.
The safety and usability of the car seat may be put at risk by these problems. In certain cases, improper storage could make it difficult or even impossible to restore the seat to its original state, even leading to missing parts.
To keep your car seat in good condition and secure for your child’s future use, it is essential to store it properly. These problems can be avoided, and the efficiency of the seat can be maintained, by following the guidelines.
What Should You Do Before Storing Your Car Seat?
Before storing your car seat, take these steps to get it ready:
- Check Expiry Date: Look for the expiry date on the seat, often in the manual or under the seat. It tells you how long it’s safe. Don’t store an expired seat.
- Recall Check: Check the NHTSA website for recalls. If there’s one, contact the maker for advice.
- Ensure It Works: Make sure the seat is good, and all parts secure, including the manual.
- Manual: Keep the original manual; if lost, find a digital copy on the maker’s site or request a replacement.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for harm or loose parts. If it’s damaged, replace it.
- After Accidents: If in an accident, don’t store or reuse it.
By following these steps, you’ll store your car seat correctly and ensure its safety for future use.
Where Should You Store Your Car Seat?
The next step is to choose a location to store a car seat after it has been geared for storage.
Your car seat should be kept in a dry, cool place away from dampness and direct sunlight.
The storage area must have excellent air circulation and be free of bugs, mold, and mildew. Over time, they might adhere to the car seat and damage its overall condition.
Also, remember that car seats should be kept at an average temperature, not too hot or cold.
Avoid outdoor storage options such as sheds or garages, which can undergo temperature shifts and expose the car seat to pests like rodents and insects.
Remember, the top priority when storing a car seat is to ensure it’s in a secure, dry, and well-ventilated spot.
1. Keeping a car seat in the shed or garage
As already mentioned, it is not advisable to store your car seat in a shed or garage because of the high humidity and temperature fluctuations in these areas.
It shouldn’t be a problem, though, if your garage or shed has a climate control system and is the same as any other room in your house.
If not, either store your car seat somewhere else or buy a watertight, airtight container like this rolling plastic storage tote. Make sure the container you select will accommodate your car seat.
Also, your car seat needs to be kept above the ground. These mesh shelves are ideal for car seats and other goods if your garage or shed lacks shelves or storage units.
2. Keeping a car seat in the cellar
It is possible to store your car seat in the cellar, but you must make sure it is a dry, well-ventilated space.
Try to keep your car seat away from any sources of moisture because cellars can become highly humid. Also, you want to keep the car seat away from any windows or vents that can draught colder air.
Use a dehumidifier for large spaces to ensure the safety of your car seat in the cellar. It does wonders for controlling humidity.
3. Keeping a car seat in a cabinet or closet
Your car seat will be best stored in a closet or a room with shelves and boxes specifically for it.
Ensure that the vehicle seat has sufficient ventilation, and that any moisture or wetness may be prevented.
If possible, store the car seat in a box or tote bag along with a couple of packets of silica gel or sodium bicarbonate desiccant bags.
These will aid in preventing moisture buildup and keeping your car seat dry.
4. Keeping a car seat in the trunk
Use your car’s trunk or closet if you don’t have enough room in your home. The best place to keep your car seat is in your car. It is possible to regulate the temperature, and it will be out of reach.
The one drawback to keeping a spare car seat in your vehicle is that even though it wasn’t being used at the time of the accident, it still needs to be replaced.
Of course, that would depend on how bad the crash was and how each manufacturer felt about it. If you do decide to reuse the car seat, it’s still a risk I won’t advise you to accept.
Get your car seat prepared for storage.
Now that you know where to keep the car seat, just follow these simple guidelines:
- Clean Thoroughly: Utilize a fabric cleaner or a Hoover to thoroughly clean the area. Be careful with chemicals. With a moist cloth, gently clean the straps.
- Keep Manual Close at Hand: Store the user manual with the seat in a waterproof bag.
- Pick a Proper Storage Container: Choose a tote bag or cardboard box as a suitable storage container.
- Ensure Storage Area: Whether it’s a closet, a shed, or a car trunk, clean and sanitize the designated area for storage.
Your car seat will be ready for storage if you do these easy steps. Keep in mind that keeping it clean and storing it properly ensures its longevity.
How to Uphold Your Stored Car Seat’s Quality for a Long Time
- The plastic base of the seat could be warped if heavy objects are kept on top of it.
- To soak up excess moisture, store your car seat in some Silica gel bags.
- If you are keeping your car seat in a basement, attic, or shed, investigate using a dehumidifier.
- Every few months, check the stored car seat.
Important Note:
The proper storage of your car seat is crucial. You only need to do:
- Follow our advice for safe and clean storage.
- Check every few months for good condition.
- Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines and keep the manual. By doing this, your car seat will be ready and safe for future use.
Remember, choose the right seat based on your child’s age, weight, and height for road safety. And grab our free checklist to stay on track while storing your seat.
Happy storing!
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