When you're expecting a baby, you have a lot of supplies to pick up. Those supplies can get costly, especially when you're buying everything brand new. Luckily, there are ways to cut costs, such as shopping at yard sales and thrift stores for some of the items you'll need. However, when it comes to the safety and well-being of your baby, there's one thing that you should never buy used, and that's the car seat. Infant car seats should be purchased brand new for each baby. Here are three reasons why you should never trust a used car seat for your baby.

They Have Expiration Dates

You might not realize this, but car seats have expiration dates. Once they pass that time, they lose their ability to keep your baby safe. For one thing, the security latches can lose their ability to latch properly. Not only that, but the the safety straps can stretch out. When that happens, they'll no longer hold your baby securely in their seat. When purchasing a car seat, make sure the expiration date is visible on the seat, and that you purchase from a reliable source.

Extreme Weather Can Wear Them Out

If the used car seat you're thinking of purchasing has been used under extreme weather conditions, the structural integrity of the plastic body could be compromised. Extreme heat, and cold, can weaken the plastic, making it vulnerable to breaking and cracking. Unfortunately, that weakness could lead to serious injuries for your baby if you were to be involved in an accident. Protect your baby by always purchasing new car seats.

Previous Accident Damage May Not be Obvious

When it comes to used car seats, you can't always see accident damage. You also have no way of knowing if a used car seat you've purchased has ever been involved in a car accident in the past. Car accidents can leave damage, even if you can't see it with the naked eye. Things like hairline cracks can occur in the plastic, molded body. Not only that, but the pressure exerted during an accident could have caused stress fractures in the safety harnesses. Unfortunately, that damage can make your baby less secure in an accident. Avoid safety issues by staying away from used car seats.

Don't cut corners when it comes to your baby's safety. Keep your baby protected by steering clear of the used car seats.