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Professional Car Seat Installation Assistance

We are dedicated to keeping children safe in motor vehicles! Car seat inspections are available to caregivers who are interested in receiving education and assistance with the installation of their child's car seat.

Schedule an appointment to have your child's car seat inspected by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).

            Frequently Asked Questions

 

Did you know that an improperly secured car seat can have serious consequences? 

Car crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury for children, and more than half of all car seats are not being used correctly which means the car seat cannot properly protect your child.

Most parents think they are doing it right! I mean how hard can it be? 

Car seats have special features designed to protect your child from injury in the event of a crash which means it must be installed correctly. Every car seat and vehicle combination requires special care to ensure the seat is secured properly.

 

How hard can it be to install a car seat correctly?

Properly installing a car seat can be a challenge and most parents don't even know they are misusing their car seat. Did you know that a car seat shouldn't move more than one inch side to side and front to back? Did you also know that the harness that is used to secure your child should not have any slack in it? You should not be able to pinch any webbing. ! There are thousands or car seat and vehicle combinations and sometimes it can be a challenge to get a proper installation. 

There are a few things you should know before you meet with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.  When you leave, you should be confident that your child’s seat is installed correctly and feel comfortable reinstalling it on your own. This may be the most important thing you learn.

 

Why Choose a Private Child Seat Installation Service?

 

This service is ideal for parents and caregivers who want the best for their children, especially when it comes to riding as safe as possible in their vehicle.  Clients include parents who are unable to find free inspections in their community, as well as expectant parents and others who are unable to wait for an event or appointment elsewhere.  It is also ideal for parents wanting a more personalized education and thorough instruction than from a public carseat inspection done at a free fitting station or check-up event.   Finally, it is great for expecting moms on bedrest and busy parents with inflexible schedules.  I offer mobile service and can meet you at your home, office, baby store or even your hospital parking lot for an early arrival! Support a locally-owned small business that is NOT supported by taxpayer dollars or any other organization.

 

How much does it cost to receive education on the proper installation and use of my child's car seat?

Professional car seat education and installation assistance appointments can be made on short notice! Sometimes even the same day!  Courses start at $40 for one typical carseat in a single vehicle, with up to an hour to make sure your carseat is installed correctly and answer all your questions!  Some appointments may be less than an hour, depending on the circumstances, while multiple seats may take longer.  There will also be plenty of time for a thorough instruction and hands-on practice if you wish!

 

During your appointment you will meet one on one with an experienced and nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Appointments are never rushed, and extra time is taken to ensure you are feeling comfortable and confident securing your child in a car seat AND properly securing it in your vehicle. Safety is our top priority and education is key! We will provide thorough instruction and education for parents and caregivers.  

 

How long does the typical appointment take? Generally, a car seat inspection, adjustment and installation instruction take 20-30 minutes. Sometimes appointments can take a bit longer to ensure everything is installed and used correctly, according to both the vehicle and car seat owner's manuals. Each full-service appointment is different, and we never rush you through it! Your child deserves all the time needed to make sure everything is just right!  We will take the time to answer your questions, provide support and technical guidance and we will leave you feeling confident that your child is as safe as they can possibly be in their car seat! 

 

Haven't picked your car seat yet? 

We are happy to provide suggestions!  We even have sample seats for you to try! We can consult with you virtually or in-person about options that should work best for your baby AND your vehicle. 

 

Baby not here yet?  This is the perfect time to learn about how to use your car seat! Waiting until baby comes is never great to learn that your car seat does not fit in your vehicle properly or that it may not be the best choice for your newborn. We will thoroughly demonstrate proper use of the car seat harness and how to fit the harness to a newborn or low birthweight using size appropriate dolls.  You will leave with peace of mind knowing that your child's car seat is installed correctly and you have teh confidence in knowing that you CAN properly secure your child every time they ride in a vehicle.

                                 What to Expect

Before the Car Seat Checkup

  • Be prepared to learn, not just watch the CPS Technician install the car seat. They're trained to teach you.

  • Know your child's current weight and height.

  • Using the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual, try to install the car seat into your vehicle prior to your appointment

  • Tip! Check the index of your vehicle owner’s manual for “child safety seats”.

  • Be sure to bring the car seat instruction manual AND the vehicle owner’s manual with you to your appointment.

  • If possible, bring your child with you as well as another caregiver to help while you are learning.

  • Be prepared to learn. The CPS Technician is trained to educate you to install and use your car seat properly in your vehicle.

During the Car Seat Checkup

  • Ask to see proof of your technician’s current certification.

  • This one-on-one education typically takes 30 minutes, depending on your car seat and vehicle. The technician will take all the time you need until you feel comfortable that your car seat is used and installed correctly.

  • During the checkup, a CPS Technician will:

    • Fill out a car seat check form to document the process (including car seat type, location in vehicle, misuse observations, etc.). The form may be electronic or on paper.

    • Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height as well as review factors affectiproper use.

    • Review the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that both are being followed correctly.

    • Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.

    • Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.

    • Guide your installation of the car seat. You are encouraged to ask to learn how to install the car seat in different seating positions with different installation techniques.

    • Discuss the next steps for your child, such as when to move to the next type of car seat.

    • Discuss your state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant  safety.

    • Discuss the benefits of everyone riding properly restrained, including all adults.

    • Discuss safety in and around the vehicle.

    • Answer any questions you may have, so ask away.

After the Car Seat Checkup

  • A car seat checkup is considered a success if you can answer yes to the following questions:

  • Did you perform the installation?

  • Do you feel confident about installing and using the car seat correctly?

  • Were your questions answered? If not, were you given direction as to who you should contact or will the CPS Technician follow up with you?

Car Seat Inspections

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We are dedicated to keeping children safe in motor vehicles! Car seat inspections are available to caregivers who are interested in receiving professional car seat education and installation assistance for their child's car seat.

Schedule an in person or virtual appointment to have your child's car seat inspected for safety.

For questions, contact us at cpsresourcecenter@gmail.com

COMING SOON!

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