Basics & Transition Guides

Get clear guidance on when a car seat expires, where to take it in Knoxville - Target trade-ins, Compassion Closet, municipal drop-offs, and police checkpoints - and how to disable and prep it for recycling. Learn what to prioritize in your next seat to extend safe use and minimize waste.

Use height-based metrics - the 1-inch headroom rule, harness slot alignment, and shell depth - to decide when to move from an infant seat to a convertible, not weight alone. Measure monthly and account for vehicle geometry to extend rear-facing safely and avoid premature, costly switches.

Learn why car seats expire and how long they last (often 6–10 years by construction), then use three checkpoints to confirm your seat’s date. Apply it to plan safe hand-me-downs, avoid expired materials, and retire seats correctly.

Understand the real trade-offs between infant and convertible car seats and why convertibles often deliver better long-term comfort, simplicity, and value. Get evidence-based comparison points and a three-step fit check to choose with confidence.