Car seat inspections (rear-facing, forward-facing, combo, or booster seats) are performed by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) by appointment only. Depending on the complexity of the seat, please expect an average of 45 mins to 1 hour for a single car seat inspection. Checks can be done prenatally, and we recommend having an additional caregiver present should you have other children with you at your appointment.
What to expect during a car seat inspection:
- An inspection of the installation of your current car seat in your vehicle
- A guided coaching session on what a proper install and fit looks like (and coaching on how to re-install the car seat, if adjustments need to be made)
- Education on best practices on child passenger safety and proper use and care of your specific car seat
- A copy of the inspection form and summary notes on key points discussed during the check for your records
- Additional educational and community resources on car seat safety as discussed during the inspection.
Cost:
I charge based on a "pay-what-you-can" sliding scale:
- $20-60 for one seat
- $40-80 for two seats
- $10 per additional car seat
If you may be facing financial barriers, please inquire further as my goal is for you feel confident in keeping your child(ren) safe in vehicles at all times, and I'd be happy to discuss an affordable option to getting your car seat(s) checked.
What to bring:
- Your car seat(s) and vehicle(s) that the car seat(s) will be predominately used in
- Your car seat manual (digital copies can be found on the manufacturer's website or by requesting for the appropriate/Canadian version of the manual by contacting the manufacturer with your car seat's product details)
- Your vehicle owner's manual
- If possible, the child who will be using the seat to check for the appropriate fitting (for prenatal checks, a demo doll will be used)
- Rolled up hand towel or pool noodle, and duct tape
(Depending on whether your car seat manufacturer allows, a rolled up towel or pool noodle may be used to adjust for the appropriate recline level for your child - see more details here).
Where are inspections performed?
- For birth/postpartum clients, checks can be done during prenatal visits at your home.
- All other checks requested will be performed in North Delta, or occasionally, I may be able to meet in other locations if I am scheduled for prenatal or postpartum visits for my doula families.
- If I am unable to meet you, I can refer you to another tech in your area, or you can search for a tech via CPSAC - Find a Tech.