Car Seat Safety
There are many types of car seats, and the weight and height limits vary from model to model. It is recommended that you keep your child rear facing for as long as the weight and height limit for the car seat allows because a child’s neck is better protected in that position. Look at the user manual for your child’s car seat to know what the weight and height limits are for your specific model.
Here are a few recommendations that you can use as a guide to ensure that you are correctly strapping your child into their car seat:
Spit-ups, blow-outs, and spills happen. It is important that you look at the user manual to know how to properly clean your child’s car seat. The straps often have a flame retardant covering on them. Washing them with soap, Clorox, Lysol, Vinegar, or other cleaning supplies may remove the covering. Likewise, wiping the plastic with cleaners can breakdown the plastic, making it less durable
For more information on car seats, we recommend that you read the AAP's recommendations on car seat safety.
Pediatrics, P.C. has two certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) to help our patients’ families feel confident in installing their child’s car seat!
How can I get my car seat checked?
Schedule an appointment with our front desk. Please give them your name, number of car seats you would like checked, your child’s name and date of birth, and your child’s pediatrician. Our CPSTs can help with your child’s car seat before they are born as well!
What should I bring with me?
Your child, their car seat, your car seat’s manual, and your car’s owner manual.
What should I expect?
Our CPSTs will review your car seat’s manual and your car’s owner manual. We will then teach you the best way to install your car seat and help you practice it yourself! It is our goal to build your confidence in installing your child’s car seat correctly.
What kind of seats can be checked?
Our CPSTs are trained to safely install rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
How long will it take?
Usually 30-40 minutes per car seat.
What does it cost?
This is a free service to patients of Pediatrics, P.C.