American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin released statements warning parents of the dangers of buying used car seats for their children.

A children’s safety coordinator of the hospital is warning parents not to buy car seats that were manufactured more than six years ago or previously involved in a crash. Unknown to many parents, car seats do have expiration dates. Car seats that are too old may have lost their ability to function properly. The same can be true for car seats that have been involved in accidents.

Parents are advised to test out a car seat before using it, whether buying it brand-new or previously used. When testing a car seat, parents should listen for a clicking sound when the car seat is locked in. This will assure that the car seat is working properly.

If your child has suffered an injury from a defective car seat, please contact the Appleton defective child car seat attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. at 800-242-2874.