Car Seat Checkups

Here are a few things you should know before you meet with a Child Passenger Safety technician. This isn’t like getting an oil change on your car, where you leave the car and go do something else. Working with a CPS technician will be a one-on-one learning experience. 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.

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.
  • 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.

During the Car Seat Checkup

  • This one-on-one education takes place at The Plains Public Library and typically takes 30-45 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. *Depending on their availability, our technician can also travel to another ACPL library branch with advance notice. 
  • 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.).
    • Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height as well as review factors that affect proper 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!

Request a checkup:

    Do you have the vehicle's manual?

    Do you have the car seat's manual?