2025 Car Seat Lifespan List (NZ)

 Car seats don’t last forever — and using one beyond its safe lifespan can put children at risk. In New Zealand, every car seat has an expiry date based on the brand, model, and manufacture year. Materials like plastic can weaken over time, safety standards may change, and newer models often provide better protection.

This updated car seat lifespan list helps parents and caregivers quickly check when their child restraint expires. We’ve compiled current information from manufacturers and New Zealand regulations so you can make informed decisions about your car seat.

Special thanks to KT from Little Travellers Taranaki for compiling this list and allowing us to share!

Whether you’re checking your own seat, buying second-hand, or ensuring compliance with NZ law, this guide makes it simple.

Brand Model/Type Lifespan Top Tether (Must be used) Install Options Extended Rear Facing? Seat Protector Allowed? Rolled Towel/Noodle Allowed?
ACC/Plunket (EU) Booster (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOM) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Axkid (EU) Bigkid (seatbelt booster) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Any x
Duofix (rear facing seat) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt Any x
Minikid (rear facing seat) 8 years (DOP) x Seatbelt Any Axkid recline wedge
Modukid (rear facing seat) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX Any x
Movekid (rear facing seat) 8 years (DOP) x Seatbelt Any Axkid recline wedge
One (rear facing seat) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX Any x
Baby Brightness (EU) ProtecMax Pro 360/GuardianMax 2+ 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX x Not specified x
SafeMate Plus (all-in-one) 8 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified Not specified
Secure 1+/Secure 2+ (rotating all-in-one) 8 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
SecureFit Pro (harness to booster) 8 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX N/A Not specified x
SecureFit/TravelGuard 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 8 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
ShieldMax Plus 360/ProtecMax 360/GuardianMax 1+ 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF ISOFIX x Not specified x
Baby Jogger (US) City Turn (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Any
CityGo (capsule) 7 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any
Babyco (EU) All capsules 5 years (DOP) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Babylo (EU) All capsules 6 years (DOP) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Babylove (AUS)* Ezyboost (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Ezygrow II (extended harnessing booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Ezymove (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x N/A N/A Any x
Ezyone2 (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt x Any
Ezyswitch (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt Any
BabyWay (EU)* Apex i-Size 2 in 1 (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX N/A Not specified x
BoostMe (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOM) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Comfit 3 in 1/The Racer 3 in 1/SafeMax i-Size 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
Crown i-Size (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Elite Extend i-Size 2 in 1/Zen i-Size 2 in 1/ClickSecure i-Size (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX N/A Not specified x
GrowSwitch convertible (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified Not specified
Guardian 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF Refer to manual x Not specified x
Safeguard 360/Royal 360/Classic 360/All-Rider 360/The Slim 360/SafeHalo 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) Refer to manual Refer to manual x Not specified x
The Defender i-Size 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF Refer to manual x Not specified x
Babywise (EU) 2-in-1 booster (seatbelt booster) 5 years (DOM) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Half booster (seatbelt booster) 5 years (DOM) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Britax (AUS)* Brava (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Any
Hi Liner/Kid Guard (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) FF N/A N/A Any x
Maxi Guard (extended harnessing booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Maxi Rider (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Britax (EU) Hi-Liner (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Britax Romer mat x
Romer Dualfix + 360 (rotating convertible RF/FF) 7 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Britax Romer mat x
Romer Swivel (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Britax Romer mat x
Britax (US) Allegiance/Emblem (convertible RF/FF) 7 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Britax rubber mat
B-Safe (capsule) 6 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Britax rubber mat
Boulevard, Advocate, Marathon, Roundabout, Pavillion (convertible RF/FF) 7 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Britax rubber mat
Boulevard/Marathon/Advocate (ClickTight) (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Britax rubber mat
Frontier/Grow With You (ClickTight) (harness to booster) 9 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Britax rubber mat x
One4Life/One4Life Slim (ClickTight) (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Britax rubber mat
Pioneer/Grow With You (harness to booster) 9 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Britax rubber mat x
Poplar/Poplar S (ClickTight) (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Britax rubber mat
Skyline/Highpoint (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Britax rubber mat x
Cam (EU) Combo 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Quantico (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOM) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Chicco (EU) Seat3Fix (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x x x
YOUniverse (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x x
Chicco (US)**
Fit4 (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x
KeyFit 30 (capsule) 6 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x
NextFit Zip (convertable RF/FF) 8 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x
Cosco (US)** Easy Elite (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Light N Comfy (capsule) 8 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel
MightyFit (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Scenera Next (convertible RF/FF) 8 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Cosco Kids (EU) Capsule and base (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel Refer to manual
Unique Convertible (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Single layer towel Refer to manual
Cozy n Safe (EU) Apollo 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Not specified x
Avalon i-Size (capsule) 6 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Comet 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX x Not specified x
Comet T i-Size 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX x Not specified x
Hudson/Hudson i-Size (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX & Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Logan (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Morgan i-Size 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX x Not specified x
Omega i-Size 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Not specified x
Snowdon i-Size (capsule) 6 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Tambu (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x N/A N/A Not specified x
Vesta i-Size 360 (rotating all in one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX x Not specified x
Cybex (EU) Aton (capsule) 6 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A x x
Aton i-Size (capsule) 7 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Cloud T (rotating capsule) 7 years (DOP) x Seatbelt x x x
i-Size bases M, T and Z 7 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Sirona T/T Plus (rotating convertible RF/FF) 7 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x x x
Solution T (seatbelt booster) 9 Years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Diono (US) Cambria 2/2XT (seatbelt booster) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Diono ultramat x
Everett NXT (seatbelt booster) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Diono ultramat x
Olympia (single top tether) (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Olympia (split top tether) (all-in-one) 8 years harness + 4 years FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Radian 3R/3Rl00/3RXT/Safe Plus/Rainier 2AX/2AXT/Radian 3QX/3QXT (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Radian R100 (split top tether) (all-in-one) 8 years harness + 2 years FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Radian R100 (single top tether) (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Radian RXT (single top tether) (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Radian RXT (split top tether) (all-in-one) 8 years harness + 2 years FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Rainier (single top tether) (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Rainier (split top tether) (all-in-one) 8 years harness + 4 years FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Diono ultramat x
Solana/Solana 2 (seatbelt booster) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Diono ultramat x
Disney Baby (US)** Easy Elite (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel
Finale (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) FF Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel x
Grow and go (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Jive 2 in 1 (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Magicsquad 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) FF Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel x
Pronto (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOM) FF N/A N/A Single layer towel x
Turn and Go 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Doona (US) All Doona (capsules) 6 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Doona seat protector
Edinburgh (EU) All harnessed boosters/boosters 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
All other capsules 6 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
i-Size infant capsule (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Infant capsule one (capsule) 7 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Regal/Travelsafe i-Size (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified Refer to manual
Roadster (convertible RF/FF) 6 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified Refer to manual
Victory 360 Spin (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX x Not specified x
Edwards & Co (EU) Original (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified
S2/Avery (capsule) 7 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified
Evenflo (EU)* Sutton 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Evenflo (US) All capsules and bases 6 years (DOP) x Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel
Chase LX (harness to booster) 6 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel x
EveryStage (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Single layer towel
Gotime Sport (seatbelt booster) 6 years (DOM) x N/A N/A Single layer towel x
Revolve 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Revolve 360 Extend (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Single layer towel
Revolve 360 Slim (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Single layer towel
Safemax (capsule) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Sonus/Sonus 65/Sureride/Tribute/Titan (convertible RF/FF) 6 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Symphony (all-in-one) 8 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Famili (EU) All child restraints 5 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
Graco (US) 4Ever DLX Snuglock / 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1Slim/Slimfit LX/ TrioGrow Snuglock (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Any
Contender Slim (convertible RF/FF) 7 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Any
EasyTurn 360 (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Any
Nautilus Snuglock (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any x
Sequence 65 (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Any
Snugride Snuglock 35 LX (capsule) 7 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any
Tranzitions 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 7 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any x
Tranzitions Snuglock (harness to booster) 7 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any x
TurboBooster (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x N/A N/A Any x
Hipod (AUS) All child restraints 10 years (DOP) RF/FF N/A x Any Refer to manual
InfaSecure (AUS)* Adapt More (capsule) 10 years (DOP) RF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any
Atlas/Emperor/Titanium/Achieve/Grandeur/Optima (convertible RF/FF & extended harnessing seat) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt Any
Attain/Quattro (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt Any
Comfi Caprice (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Cosi Compact ii (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt x Any
Foldaway (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x N/A N/A Any x
Horizon/Pulsar/Accomplish/Genesis/Emerge (extended harnessing booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any ✓ (FF)
Momentum (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Any
Pinnacle/Liberty/Sprinter/Octave/Visage (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Rapid (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt Any
Stellar/Luxi II/Advance/Legacy (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt x Any
Transit (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) FF N/A N/A Any x
Ultimate/Acclaim/Aspire (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) FF N/A N/A Any x
Vari Move/Serene (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt x Any
Joie (AUS)* All child restraints 10 years (DOP) RF/FF N/A x x Refer to manual
Joie (EU) ClickFit base (capsule) 5 years (DOP) x Seatbelt N/A x x
Every Stage FX (all-in-one) 7 years in groups 0+&1, 10 years group 2 FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x x
i-Base (capsule) 5 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A x x
i-Gemm (capsule) 5 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A x x
i-Spin 360/i-spin Pivot 360 (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX x x x
iTrillo (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Jolly Jumper (EU) Colorado 3 in 1 (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Montana convertible (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
Phoenix (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Maxi Cosi (AUS)* All child restraints 10 years (DOM) RF/FF N/A Some Maxi Cosi Refer to manual
Maxi Cosi (EU)* CabrioFix i-Size (capsule) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Maxi Cosi x
Kore Pro i-Size (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Maxi Cosi x
Mica 360 (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Maxi Cosi x
Mica Eco 360 i-Size (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Maxi Cosi x
Nomad Plus i-Size (harnessed booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Maxi Cosi x
Pearl 360 i-Size / Pro with SlideTech (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Maxi Cosi x
Pebble 360 i-Size / Pro with SlideTech (rotating capsule) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Maxi Cosi x
RodiFix i-Size (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Maxi Cosi x
RodiFix Pro i-Size (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A Maxi Cosi x
Spinel 360 Plus (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX x Maxi Cosi x
Stone 360 i-size (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x Maxi Cosi x
Titan Pro i-Size (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX N/A Maxi Cosi x
Maxi Cosi (US)* Emme 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Maxi Cosi Magellan/Pria ranges (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Maxi Cosi Mico 30 range/Mico Luxe (capsule) 8 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel
Maxi Cosi Vella (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Mico Luxe Plus (capsule) 8 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel
Romi (convertible RF/FF) 8 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Milano (EU) All child restraints 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified Refer to manual
Mother's Choice (AUS)* All child restraints 10 years (DOM) RF/FF N/A Some Mother's Choice
Mountain Buggy (EU) Haven booster (seatbelt booster) 8 years (DOM) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Isofix base (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Protect (2016+) (capsule) 8 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A x x
Safe Rotate (rotating all-in-one) 8 years (DOM) x ISOFIX x x x
Universal base (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A x
Neeva (EU) All child restraints 5 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
Nuna (EU) Aace Lx (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Pipa Next/Arra range (capsule) 7 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or seatbelt N/A x x
Todl Next/Pruu (rotating convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX x x x
Nuna (US) Exec (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x
Pipa Urban/Pipa rx/Bugaboo Turtle (capsule) 7 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or seatbelt N/A x Refer to manual
Rava (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or seatbelt x x
Revv 360 (rotating convertible) 10 years (DOP) FF ISOFIX or seatbelt x x x
Peg Perego (EU) All capsules and bases 6 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Phil & Teds (EU) Alpha (2016+) (capsule) 8 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A x x
Columbus (2023+) (seatbelt booster) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Discovery (2015+) (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A x x
Evolution (2023+) (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF ISOFIX x x x
Isofix base (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX N/A x x
Universal base (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x Seatbelt N/A x
Recaro (EU) All child restraints 10 years (DOM) x N/A x Not specified Refer to manual
Safe n Sound (Britax)(AUS)* Explorer II (harness to booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any x
Guardian II (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt x Any
Safekeeper (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt Any
Safety 1st (AUS)* All child restraints 10 years (DOM) RF/FF N/A x Any Refer to manual
Safety 1st (EU) Glidefix (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt x x x
i-NXT 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX x x x
Multifix (all-in-one) 10 years (DOP) x Seatbelt x x x
Safety 1st (US)** Continuum/Adjust and Go (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Go and Grow/Trifit/SlimRide/EverSlim (all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel x
Grand 2 in 1(harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel x
Guide 65 (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Jive 2 in 1(convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOM) FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Onboard (all models) (capsule) 8 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Single layer towel
Turn and Go 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt x Single layer towel
Secure Safe (AUS)* Defend (convertible RF/FF) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF ISOFIX or Seatbelt Any
Embrace (capsule) 10 years (DOP) RF ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Any
Guard (convertible RF/FF & extended harnessing seat) 10 years (DOP) RF/FF Seatbelt Any
Shield (extended harnessing booster) 10 years (DOP) FF Seatbelt N/A Any ✓ (FF)
Skep(EU) All child restraints 5 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
Smoosh (EU) All child restraints 6 years (DOM) x Seatbelt x Not specified x
Zummi (EU) Capsule and base i-Size (capsule) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Spirit booster (harness to booster) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX or Seatbelt N/A Not specified x
Superia 360 (rotating all-in-one) 10 years (DOM) x ISOFIX x Not specified x

DOM = Date of Manufacture (found on a sticker or stamped on the seat).

DOP = Date of Purchase (some brands count lifespan from purchase for the original owner).

If the Date of Purchase is unknown, use the Date of Manufacture.

Last reviewed: 26 Sep 2025.

This list is compiled from manufacturers’ manuals and NZ guidance. Always check your car seat’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for your exact model.

Stay Safe and Up to Date

If you’re unsure about your car seat’s age or installation, we can help. Our team provides car seat checks, installations, and advice to make sure your child restraint is safe and compliant.

👉 Contact us today to book a car seat check or ask about your specific brand.

 

Car Seat Expiry FAQ’s

Why Do Car Seats Expire?

  • Material fatigue – plastics and foams weaken with heat, sun, and use.

  • Safety standards – regulations change; expired seats may no longer meet legal requirements.

  • Manufacturer testing – companies only test their seats up to a certain age. Beyond that, safety can’t be guaranteed.

  • Wear and tear – harnesses, buckles, and covers degrade over time.

How do I find the expiry date of my car seat?

- Most car seats have a sticker or moulded stamp on the back or base showing the manufacture date and expiry period (e.g. “10 years from manufacture”). If in doubt, refer to the manual or the brand’s website for clarification.

Can I use an expired car seat?

- No. Expired seats are unsafe and cannot legally be used in New Zealand. They should be retired and replaced.

Do all brands have the same lifespan?

- No. Lifespans vary by brand and model — some are 6 years, others 10 years or more. Always check the specific details for your seat in the table above.

Is it safe to buy a second-hand car seat?

- Only if you know its full history (no crashes, correct storage, not expired). Always check the expiry before buying.

What should I do with an expired car seat?

- Cut the harness, remove the padding, and clearly mark the seat as expired before disposing of it, so it can’t be reused. Some recycling options may be available in your area.

An expired Britax Boulevard with the harness, padding, and headrest removed. It is clearly marked as expired with a large “DO NOT USE” warning included. The manufacture date is circled, highlighting the age of the seat past it’s 10 year lifespan.

An expired Britax Boulevard with the harness, padding, and headrest removed. It is clearly marked as expired with a large “DO NOT USE” warning included. The manufacture date is circled, highlighting the age of the seat past it’s 10 year lifespan.