New car seat regulations parents might be unaware of

For many Albertans, it's time for spring cleaning, which often means garage sales. But as you get rid of unwanted household items, make sure car seats aren't put on the pile. New regulations mean used car seats can't be sold.

Since the start of the year, it has been illegal to sell or give away a car seat that doesn’t meet updated testing and design requirements, which bring Canada more in line with American legislation surrounding car seats.

One of the most critical testing changes is lap and shoulder seatbelt testing for all types of car seats.

Elizabeth McKoen often buys children’s products online. She frequently sees car seats ads on classified sites.

McKoen says she’s aware of the new legislation, but thinks most people aren’t.

“I don't think moms know this information, some do - but I don't think it's out there like it should be.”

In addition to the new safety standards, McKoen says parents should also be cautious of the product’s history.

“Know where it’s coming from, know whether or not it's been in an accident.”

Lacey Hoyland, with Alberta Health Services, says the new standards do not apply to car seats currently in use – they just cannot be sold afterwards.

“Those seats are not to be resold because they don't meet the new standards."

If you plan on selling a used car seat at a garage sale, Hoyland says sellers are responsible for making sure the seat meets current safety standards.

“As a seller you can be held liable even in a garage sale.”

Transport Canada says that parents should also be aware of the expiry date or useful life stamp on car seats. Once the product has passed either of those dates, it should no longer be used or donated. Instead, it should be recycled.

In Calgary, a company called Kid Seat Recyclers is helping parents dispose of their old car seats in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Kid Seat Recyclers is asking people to remove the material and straps on the seat before bringing it to a drop-off location. The recycling fee costs $10.

With files from Julie Matthews, Global News