Car seats are one of the most important safety products you'll ever use for your child. Did you know they typically have a lifespan of 6-10 years, depending on the brand and model?
While it might seem surprising that something so solid and well-built would have an expiry date, there are good reasons behind it.
Why Do Car Seats Expire?
Wear and Tear: Over time, materials like plastic can become brittle and weaken, especially after sitting in a hot vehicle exposed to harsh UV rays. Even if a seat looks fine on the outside, internal components may have deteriorated, and this could potentially compromise the seat's effectiveness.
Changing Safety Standards: Car seat technology and safety regulations evolve. An expired seat may not meet the latest standards or be compatible with newer vehicle designs.
Considering a Second-Hand Car Seat?
If you're thinking about buying - or accepting - a second-hand car seat, checking the expiry date should be your first step.
Additionally, it’s important to:
Ensure it hasn’t been in a crash: Car seats involved in an accident may have hidden damage and should not be reused.
Make sure all parts are included: Without the original manual and components, proper installation may not be possible.
The seat must also have its original certification label to certify it complies with one of New Zealand’s approved safety standards - NZ/AU, ECE, or US displaying yellow S sticker.
Where to Find Expiry Information
The expiry will either be from Date of Manufacture or from Date of Purchase (with a receipt) – depending on the brand. To check your seat, check thecar seat expiry list here.
Car seats generally have a label or stamped date on the shell that indicates the date of manufacture.
This example above shows the date embossed on the shell – Date of Manufacture 4 June 2022
In this example the date is found stamped on the harness clips - Date of Manufacture August 2023
The Bottom Line
Your child’s safety is too important to leave to chance. Always check a car seat’s expiry before use - especially if you’re considering a second-hand one. When in doubt, it’s best to invest in a new, up-to-date seat that meets all current safety standards.
The BASE™ Curv in Black colour is designed to work with your natural movement - making it easier and more comfortable to get your child in and out of the car without the awkward twisting or back strain. Its innovative ProxiPivot™ slide-out technology allows the seat to glide and rotate 360° in one smooth motion, bringing your child closer for effortless buckling. As part of the NEXT™ system™, it offers smart flexibility to support your child’s car seat needs from newborn to toddler, all on one base.
Discover the freedom to move confidently with the Nuna PIPA NEXT In Caviar Colour, the capsule designed to adapt to your family’s life. Weighing just 2.8 kg*, it’s effortlessly portable for errands, travel, and everyday adventures, while offering advanced safety and comfort features to keep your little one secure and content. From taxis to family cars, the PIPA NEXT makes life with baby smoother, simpler, and reassuringly safe.
Built for modern parenting, it blends top rated safety with thoughtful luxury and practical versatility. Nuna’s NEXT system™ lets one base accommodate multiple compatible products for up to four years, supporting your child’s growth without compromise.
Every detail is designed with care - from the Dream Drape™ canopy to breathable Merino wool and TENCEL™ fabrics, and a high strength handle engineered to absorb crash forces, offering peace of mind for parents and comfort for baby.
Travel in style with our Dimples Baby on Board sticker! This Decal has an adhesive back, so simply peel off the backing, then place the sticker where you like it. Brush over the sticker with your hand to build heat - this will help the sticker stay, then slowly peel away the adhesive front.
With the festive season fast approaching, it’s never too early to start planning for the magic of Christmas morning. Whether you’re after meaningful keepsakes, playful surprises, or thoughtful stocking stuffers, Dimples has everything you need to make this season memorable - all in one place.
We’ve handpicked gift ideas that spark imagination, support development, and bring a little extra joy to your family’s celebrations.
A Little Piece of New Zealand – Gifts to Send Overseas
Sending a little Christmas love across the miles? A gift from New Zealand is a thoughtful way to share a piece of home with family and friends overseas.
If you’re looking for something practical and precious, the Dimples Merino collection is a go-to. Made here in New Zealand, it's perfect for gifting. And you can't go past the hand-embroidered Dimples bee or rose on the classic cream collection
We also have the iconic buzzy bee for a nostalgic Kiwi gift still loved by little ones.
The Big Gift – Bikes, Scooters & Play Equipment
Some Christmas presents are just too exciting to fit in a stocking!
For little adventurers with energy to burn, bikes, scooters, ride-ons and play equipment make wonderful gifts that encourage movement, confidence and hours of fun.
The Scoot & Ride range is a fantastic choice for active little ones. With clever designs that grow with children, these scooters and ride-ons are made for everything from first adventures to confident cruising.
Kinderfeets is another go-to, with their range of wooden climbing frames and bikes.
Or look at a wooden Vintage Dolls House or Play Kitchen from Classic World.
The Stokke MuTable is another great gift idea that will get years of play thanks to it’s flippable tops with different activities.
If you're looking for that extra-special gift from Santa, Mum & Dad or the grandparents, these are the gifts that keep on giving, encouraging outdoor adventures, coordination and confidence long after Christmas morning.
Activity Toys – Learning Through Play
The best toys are often the ones that keep curious little minds and busy hands entertained. Activity toys make fantastic Christmas gifts because they combine fun with opportunities to explore, discover and learn new skills.
Connetix magnetic tiles are a wonderful choice for budding builders. With endless possibilities for creating colourful towers, houses and imaginative structures, they encourage creativity, problem-solving and open-ended play.
For little ones we also love these Stacking Blocks and Discoveroo puzzles for a fun, hands-on way to develop fine motor skills, shape recognition and hand-eye coordination.
Craft & Creative Toys – For Little Imaginations
Christmas is the perfect time to inspire budding artists and creative little minds.
The colourful Ooly range of art supplies is a good place to start.
As are HeyDoodle's on-the-go colouring mats or the large, Washable Colouring In Tablecloth Sets from Colour Me Kids
These sets are perfect for keeping little ones entertained during the summer holidays, rainy afternoons or quiet time at home. And who knows? You might just end up with a masterpiece worthy of a spot on the fridge!
Cuddly Companions to Treasure
Soft toys make a timeless gift, offering comfort, companionship and plenty of cuddles for years to come.
From the irresistibly soft Jellycat soft toys to the playful animal friends from Little Big Friends and Les Ptipotos, our collection is full of lovable characters just waiting to meet their new best friend.
Pop one in a stocking or tuck it under the tree - you can’t go wrong with a little softness at Christmas.
Shop Soft Toys
Inspired by Their Interests
Really want their little eyes to light up? Shop according to their favourite things.
Got a little dinosaur enthusiast or an ocean-obsessed explorer on your Christmas list? To make finding the perfect present easier, we've grouped our toys into some fun themed collections.
Stocking Fillers
Sometimes the smallest presents bring the biggest smiles for little ones!
For babies, think colourful rattles, teething toys, sensory balls and little bath toys that are just the right size for tiny hands.
For toddlers and older children, Zazi Re-positional Road Tape will turn any space into a race track for mini vehicles.
Practical gifts can be fun too! Think a cute new drink bottle or pair of sunglasses.
However you're spending the holidays this year, we’re here to help make gifting easy.
Shop online or visit us in Newmarket or Christchurch to discover our Christmas gift ideas in person. And if you're not quite sure what to choose, our friendly team is always happy to help you find something special.
Let the festive fun begin 🎄
Shop Gifts & Toys at Dimples
Shop for Gifts by Age & Stage
Shop Gifts Under $50
Shop Gifts Under $100
Little feet have a lot of growing and exploring to do! From those first little steps to running, playing and discovering the world, choosing shoes that are comfortable and designed to move with them is an important part of every stage.
Sleep Struggles? These Soothers Might Just Save Your Sanity 😴
White noise and gentle sound machines help to mask the everyday background noise that can disturb your little one's rest. Think: older siblings, barking dogs, or the neighbour deciding now’s the time to mow the lawn. These soothing sounds - like a heartbeat, waves, or soft shushing - can create a more consistent, calming sleep environment and help baby settle more easily.
Darkness can make a big difference too. A dark room helps reduce visual stimulation and can support your baby’s natural sleep cues, which is especially handy for daytime naps, early bedtimes and those bright summer evenings. If light is sneaking in around curtains or you’re sleeping somewhere unfamiliar, a portable blackout blind can help create a darker, more consistent sleep space wherever you are.
We’ve curated a handy Quiz to help you make a decision, plus a small but mighty collection of trusted sleep soothers and calming aids below, that can help take the edge off bedtime - for both you and your baby.
Love to Dream Sleep Machine
Creating a familiar, calming sound environment is a great way to help signal to baby that it’s time to sleep. The Love to Dream Sleep Machine offers nine soothing sounds, including white, pink and brown noise, rain, shushing and womb sounds, helping to mask everyday household noises that might otherwise disturb naps or nighttime sleep.
It even has a clever cry detection feature which automatically starts your chosen sound if baby stirs! It's got a soft red and warm white nightlight function which is super handy for those 3am feeds and changes. Being rechargeable with up to 22 hours of battery life it's perfect for travelling moments too!
YogaSleep Nod Sound Machine and Night Light
The YogaSleep Nod is the ultimate stay-at-home sleep station, perfect for setting up a consistent, calming bedtime routine in the nursery. It features 20 sleep sounds, including white noise, fan sounds, lullabies, and nature tracks, so you can tailor the soundscape to your baby’s preferences.
What makes it a standout? The built-in nightlight, which emits a warm amber glow to create a peaceful sleep space without overstimulating your baby. You can also set sleep timers or run it all night long, ideal for little ones who are easily stirred.
Simple, soothing, and super customisable, the Nod helps create the kind of sleep environment you’ll both appreciate.
Purflo Total Blackout Blinds
Light can make a huge difference to how easily your baby settles, especially for daytime naps, early bedtimes or those bright summer evenings. The Purflo Total Eclipse Portable Blackout Blind helps create a dark, calming sleep environment by blocking out unwanted light, making it easier to keep baby’s sleep space feeling consistent.
It easily attaches securely to windows using over 100 suction cups and can be adjusted to suit smaller windows, so it’s handy at home as well as when travelling or staying with family. Even better, it folds neatly into its own storage pocket, making it an easy sleep essential to have on hand.
Storytime and Soothing Light for Sweet Dreams
Another beautiful way to support your child’s sleep is by building a calming, familiar bedtime routine - and the CloudBox™ helps make that easy. This clever little device plays comforting bedtime stories while gently projecting sleepy visuals onto the ceiling or wall. With a soothing mix of audio and light, it creates a multisensory environment that helps children wind down at the end of the day.
You can choose from the preloaded stories or record your own – a lovely way to keep bedtime personal, even when you can’t be there in person. Repeating the same story or image each night can become part of your child’s sleep ritual, providing a sense of security and consistency they can count on.
Simple to use and designed for children from birth and up, the CloudBox™ is a thoughtful addition to any nighttime routine – helping little ones feel calm, safe, and ready for sleep.
Supporting Sleep, Naturally
For many families, Magnesium Rescue has become a much loved part of their wind-down ritual. This gentle, topical formula is made from natural ingredients and can be massaged into your child’s back, tummy, or feet at bedtime. It’s designed to help support a relaxed nervous system – a simple, non-invasive way to encourage calm before sleep.
Another lovely option is the Bedtime Bestie - a lightweight magnesium mist infused with calming lavender, designed to support relaxation and make bedtime a little easier. Simply spritz it onto your child’s back or feet as part of your evening routine. It’s a fuss-free way to help little bodies and busy minds slow down – one small spray at a time.
Shop Sleep Saviours at Dimples now
Whether you’re trying to improve naps, master the bedtime routine, or just desperate for an extra hour of sleep, our range of sound machines and calming sleep aids are here to help.
Browse the full collection in-store or online and find the right fit for your baby (and your sleep-deprived self).
The Benefits of Music for Babies and Toddlers: More Than Just a Catchy Tune!
Can music really make your baby smarter?
You've probably heard the theory that playing Mozart to your baby in the womb will turn them into a little genius. But is there any truth to it?
While there's no convincing evidence that classical music boosts your baby's IQ, research suggests that music plays a wonderful role in early childhood development.
From encouraging language and movement to helping little ones settle and strengthening bonds, music has plenty of benefits. And the best part? You don't need expensive lessons, fancy instruments or even a good singing voice!
Here's why music deserves a spot in your baby's everyday routine.
1. Music starts before birth
Your baby's first musical experiences begin before they're even born!
By around 18 weeks of pregnancy, babies begin hearing sounds inside the womb, including mum's heartbeat. Later, they start recognising sounds from the outside world, particularly familiar voices.
So, should you be playing Beethoven to your bump every evening?
Not unless you want to! Singing, talking and listening to your favourite songs can be a lovely way to relax and connect with your growing baby.
Dimples Tip: Keep music at a comfortable volume and avoid placing headphones directly against your bump.
2. Music can help soothe and settle your baby
Ever noticed how a gentle lullaby can calm an unsettled baby? Soft, repetitive music can create a calming atmosphere, while familiar songs provide comfort and reassurance.
Music can also become a helpful sleep cue. Singing the same lullaby each evening helps create a familiar routine that your little one can begin to associate with bedtime.
Dimples Tip: Try introducing a soothing sound machine or musical nightlight into your bedtime routine. Keep the volume low and devices well away from the cot.
Shop our range of sound soothers here
3. Little songs, big language benefits
Who knew singing nursery rhymes could help your baby's language development?
Music introduces little ones to rhythm, repetition and different sounds, all important building blocks for learning to communicate.
Songs like Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes help toddlers learn body parts, while Old MacDonald Had a Farm introduces animal names and sounds.
Even babies who aren't talking yet are busy listening and recognising familiar patterns.
Dimples Tip: Pause before the last word of a familiar song and give your little one the chance to babble, gesture or sing along!
4. Dance parties are great for growing bodies!
There's something so irresistible about watching a toddler dance. The enthusiastic bouncing, unexpected spinning and wonderfully crazy moves!
But all that dancing is doing more than making everyone smile.
Moving to music helps children practise balance, coordination and body awareness. Clapping, stomping and jumping to the beat all support developing motor skills.
For younger babies, shaking a rattle or reaching towards a musical toy introduces movement and rhythm.
For toddlers, try musical statues. Dance while the music plays, then freeze when it stops. Simple, fun and great for listening skills!
5. Music makes everyday routines easier
Let's face it, getting a toddler to cooperate isn't always straightforward.... But sometimes, turning an everyday task into a song can work wonders.
A cheerful clean up song makes packing away toys more fun, while a silly handwashing or teeethbrushing tune can help little ones remember what comes next.
You don't need to know dozens of nursery rhymes either. Make up your own songs! Your toddler won't notice if the words don't rhyme.
6. Music encourages creativity and imagination
A wooden spoon becomes a drumstick. A cardboard box becomes a stage. Suddenly, your toddler is performing the concert of the century!
Music encourages children to explore sounds, experiment with rhythm and express themselves creatively. Try singing songs that involve pretending to be animals. Stomp like an elephant, hop like a bunny or tiptoe like a teeny tiny mouse.
Rattles, wooden drums, maracas and xylophones are wonderful ways for little hands to explore different sounds.
Shop our musical toys here
7. Making music together builds special bonds
One of the loveliest things about music is that it's something you can enjoy together from day one.
Singing to your newborn, rocking gently to a favourite song or dancing around the lounge with your toddler creates opportunities to connect. When you sing face to face with your baby, smile at their reactions and respond to their little noises, you're encouraging communication and connection.
You could also try a local library rhyme-time session or toddler music class. A lovely way to meet other parents while introducing your little one to new experiences.
Music to your ears!
So, will playing Mozart turn your baby into a genius overnight? Probably not.
But can music support their development, encourage movement, introduce new words and create special memories along the way? Absolutely.
Whether you're singing lullabies at bedtime, shaking rattles on the playmat or hosting an impromptu kitchen dance party, music is a simple and joyful way to connect with your little one.
And if your toddler insists on hearing the same song 47 times in a row?
Well, at least you know they're enjoying themselves!
