Why should I have a CPST check my child's car seat?

As a new parent you only want the best for your child. The best food. The best home. The best car seat. Riding in a vehicle can come with dangers, but consulting a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your child is born, or after, can prevent many of these hazards.

It is estimated that 90% of all child car seats today are installed or utilized incorrectly, so it's vital to ensure yours is correct!
Bethany Grannan of Birth With Bethany is a CPST who offers car seat shopping assistance as well as private, in-home car seat consultations to DFW area families for a small fee. You may also find occasional car seat check stations at select local hospitals, including a monthly event at Texas Health Presbyterian Denton. To encourage participation, the Safe Kids Coalition provides 8,000+ free inspection events across America. Find one here: http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked
What can a CPST do for you?
Properly installing a car seat can be complicated. You must factor in the weight and age of your child, your type of vehicle, location of the car seat, and existing restraint systems. A CPST is trained in vehicular safety restraints for people ranging in age from infant to adult. They are well-versed in the proper installation and usage of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
Before using a CPST’s services, make sure their certification is current. You should ask to see their technician ID card.
A consultation with a CPST will be a hands-on learning experience. You should bring your child, your owner’s manual, and the instructions to install your child’s car seat. After showing you the proper technique to secure your baby you will then be asked to perform this task yourself.
The CPST will provide information and perform a variety of tasks. He/she will:

• Ensure your child’s car seat fits their age and size
• Find the optimal location in your car
• Search for manufacturer recalls, missing parts, visible damage, and the expiration date
• Watch you install the car seat in a one-to-one session
• Give you a time line when you may need to change to the next type of car seat
• Teach you about the safety differences when placing your child’s car seat rear-facing or forward-facing, and when using a harness or a seat belt
• Check the car seat’s fit is tight enough to protect your child
• Verify the car seat’s angle is positioned for optimal safety
• Coach you on the safety differences of your child’s clothing
• Supply information related to transporting your child with special needs

This list is not exhaustive, but gives a good overview of the CPST’s main functions.

You can find a Child Passenger Safety Technician through the National CPS Certification Program or at an event hosted by a Safe Kids Coalition. Inspection stations can be found using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s directory.

Schedule your in-home car seat check, or car seat shopping concierge today in north DFW from Birth With Bethany!