Finding the date on an infant car seat

You're looking for two things: the date of manufacture (month and year, on a label — federal law puts it there) and the maker's useful-life statement ("Do not use this child restraint after…"), which is in the manual or moulded into the shell.

1. Underside of the carrier shell
2. Back of the seat shell
3. On the separate base, top or side

Checking each spot

1. Tip the carrier over: the most common spot is a white label on the underside of the shell.
2. Check the back of the shell, behind where the child’s head rests — some makers put the full regulatory label there.
3. The base has its own label with its own date of manufacture. Base and carrier can be different ages: read both.

Found it — now read it

Date of manufacture + the maker's stated useful life = the expiration date. Your brand's stated figure is here, in the maker's own words, or use the checker. The label on your seat is authoritative; this page is a reference.

Can't find a date anywhere? Don't guess from the seat's looks — ask the maker with the model name and the numbers on any label you can find. Worn or missing labels are also on NHTSA's used-seat checklist as a reason to pass on a second-hand seat.