How to ship · family
How to ship a car seat
Car seats ship in their original packaging easily. If you do not have the original box, a 24 x 24 x 20 corrugated box works for most convertible seats.
- Typical weight
- Infant: 7-12 lb, Convertible: 15-25 lb, Booster: 5-15 lb
- Rate band tracked
- 20 lb
- Cheapest option
- USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground
Live rates
What it costs to ship a car seat, right now
A 20 lb parcel from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Actual cost for your car seat varies by ±10-30% with its specific weight and destination zone.
- 01
Ground FedEx 4d $46.79 +$37.48 - 02
Ground Saver UPS 5d $9.31 cheapest - 03
Ground Advantage USPS 5d $9.65 +$0.34
Close call Only $0.34 (4%) separates the cheapest from the runner-up. Free USPS home pickup or a closer drop-off can erase this gap. Pick by convenience, not price, at this margin.
Sign up & get $100+ in free offers. No coupon code required.
Before you pack
The box and materials
Box
Original box, or 2 in larger corrugated with padding
24 x 24 x 20 in for a convertible car seat
Avoid used or worn boxes; the box must be structurally sound.
Checklist
- Corrugated box
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts
- Tape
The process
Pack a car seat in 5 steps
01 of 05
Check the expiration date
Car seats have expiration dates (6 years typical). Do not ship expired seats.
02 of 05
Remove and bag the harness buckles
Wrap in bubble; loose buckles can chip the plastic shell.
03 of 05
Wrap the main seat
2 layers of bubble wrap.
04 of 05
Pack in box with peanuts
2+ in of peanuts all around.
05 of 05
Include manual and instructions
Original manual in a plastic bag taped inside the box lid.
Carrier notes
Which carrier to use
USPS
Priority Mail for lighter infant seats.
UPS
Ground for convertible seats.
FedEx
Home Delivery.
Insurance + declared value
Protecting the package
Declare at replacement cost; new car seats run $150-400.
Specialty shippers are usually not worth it here.
Parcel handles car seats fine.
FAQ
Common questions
Q01 Is it legal to sell and ship a used car seat?
Yes, if not expired and not previously in an accident. Declare this in the listing.
Q02 What about booster seats?
Same process but smaller; most booster seats fit a USPS Priority Mail Large Flat Rate.
Q03 Installation base?
Ship with the seat in the same box when possible; separate if the box is tight.