1. Getting a used car seat without doing your homework

If you're thinking about buying a used car seat for your child, make sure the car seat:

• Comes with instructions.
• Also comes with a label that shows the date the car seat was made and its model number.
• Hasn't been recalled by the seat maker for flaws, safety concerns or other issues.
• Isn't expired or more than six years old.
• Doesn't look like it's damaged or has missing parts.
• Has never been in a crash.

If you don't know the car seat's history, don't use it.