Infants & childreN
Get My Car Seat Checked
Trust the experts to ensure your child’s restraint is set up correctly and that all car seats or booster seats are installed properly.
Connect with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) in your community who will check your car seat or booster seat, ensure they are installed correctly, and teach you how to use and install them on your own.
Child Passenger Safety Technicians
Find a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) or attend a car seat or booster seat checkup event near you.
Attend a Safety Event
Participate in a safety event hosted by a Safe Kids Coalition in your area. These coalitions lead efforts to reduce child injury and host over 8,000 free car seat inspection events nationwide. Trained technicians will teach you everything you need to know to ensure your car seat is installed and used correctly. Even if there isn’t an upcoming event, a technician may still be available to assist you.
Find a Technician Online
Access the National CPST certification program to locate child passenger safety technicians in your area. Simply fill out the online form and search by location, language, or special needs training.
Schedule a Virtual Car Seat Check
If you would like to have your child’s car seat or booster seat checked virtually through an online virtual meeting, the National Safety Council has CPST on staff to assist you.
What to Expect When Meeting with a CPST
This experience isn’t like getting an oil change—it’s a personalized, engaging, one-on-one learning opportunity. By the end, you should feel confident that your child’s seat is installed correctly and be comfortable reinstalling it on your own. This may be the most valuable knowledge you gain.
During a Car Seat or Booster Seat Checkup:
- Proof of Certification: Ask to see your technician’s current certification.
- Time Commitment: This personalized education typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on your car seat or booster seat and vehicle. The technician will take the time needed to answer your questions and help you feel confident keeping your child safe.
What Happens During the Checkup:
- The CPST will complete a car seat and booster seat check form to document the process (including the type of restraint, seating position in the vehicle, and any misuse observations). This form may be electronic or paper.
- They will review whether the car seat or booster seat is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, height, and developmental needs.
- The technician will review the car seat or booster seat instruction manual, along with the vehicle owner’s manual, to ensure proper use.
- They will confirm that an appropriate seating position is being used in the vehicle.
- The CPST will check for recalls, visible damage, and expiration dates, if applicable.
- They will guide you through the proper use of your car seat or booster seat. They will encourage you to practice installing it using different seating positions and installation methods when appropriate.
- Discuss your child’s next stage of protection, including when it is appropriate to transition to the next type of restraint according to Minnesota law and best practice recommendations.
- Review Minnesota child passenger safety laws and occupant protection best practices.
- Emphasize the importance of proper restraint use for everyone in the vehicle, including adults.
- Discuss safety in and around the vehicle.
- Answer any questions you have—so don’t hesitate to ask!
Measuring Success
A car seat or booster seat checkup is considered successful if you can answer “yes” to these questions:
- Did you perform the installation or demonstrate that you know how to properly use the car seat or booster seat?
- Do you feel confident installing and using your child’s car seat or booster seat correctly?
- Were your questions answered? If not, were you given information on who to contact, or will the CPST follow up with you?
Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.