Steele Memorial Medical Center

Car Seat Safety Program

Steele Memorial Medical Center participates with the National Child Passenger Safety program (CPS) and has dedicated resources to certify staff. Our trained CPS technicians offer parents and caregivers a hands on assistance for proper use of child restraint systems and safety belts.

What to Expect from a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician Car Seat Check

A car seat installation appointment is an interactive and educational experience. As a caregiver, you should leave with confidence that your child’s car seat is installed correctly and that you understand how to reinstall and use it properly. To make the most of this experience, come prepared to learn.

Preparing for Your Appointment:

  • If Expecting: Schedule your appointment 1–2 months before your due date. Many CPS Technicians require appointments well in advance, and babies sometimes arrive early.
  • If Your Child is Already Born:
    • Know your child’s weight and height.
    • Bring your child to the appointment if possible. If you can, bring another adult to supervise your child while you learn.
  • Before the Appointment:
    • Install the car seat in your vehicle using the car seat instructions as best you can.
    • Review the “Child Safety Seats” section in your vehicle owner’s manual to understand specific requirements for your car.
    • Bring both the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual with you.

What to Expect During the Appointment:

  • Active Participation: Be ready to learn and practice, not just watch. CPS Technicians are trained to teach you how to install and use the car seat—not to do it for you.
  • Time Commitment: A typical session lasts 20–30 minutes but may take longer if needed to ensure you feel confident.
  • Proof of Certification: Feel free to ask your CPS Technician for proof of their current certification.

The CPS Technician Will:

  1. Complete a Checklist: Documenting the car seat type, location, and any misuse observed.
  2. Review Car Seat Selection: Confirm the seat is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.
  3. Reference Manuals: Ensure both the car seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual are being followed correctly.
  4. Assess the Seating Position: Verify the car seat is in an appropriate location, particularly when using LATCH.
  5. Inspect the Car Seat: Check for recalls, visible damage, and the expiration date.
  6. Guide You Through Installation: Teach you how to correctly install the car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system. You can ask to learn both methods or explore different seating positions.
  7. Discuss Next Steps: Explain when to transition to a different type of car seat as your child grows.
  8. Promote Safety Practices: Highlight the importance of proper restraints for everyone in the vehicle, including adults.
  9. Review Additional Safety Tips: Cover safety in and around the vehicle, as well as your state’s laws and best practices for occupant safety.

After the Appointment:

Ensure you can confidently answer “Yes” to these questions:

  • Did you personally install the car seat during the appointment?
  • Do you feel confident about reinstalling and using the car seat correctly?
  • Were all your questions answered? If not, were you directed to someone who can help or informed about follow-up options?

This thorough, hands-on education will help you keep your child as safe as possible during every journey.

*Information above is resourced from the National Child Passenger Safety Program, click here for referenced material.

Additional Resources: 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Offers comprehensive guides on selecting, installing, and using car seats properly, as well as a car seat inspection station locator.

Safe Kids Worldwide
Provides tips, educational resources, and a locator for certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Contains facts, data, and recommendations for child passenger safety.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Offers expert advice on car seat use and recommendations based on a child’s age, weight, and height.

SaferCar.gov
Includes a car seat inspection station finder and recall lookup tool.

Car Seats for the Littles (CSFTL)
A nonprofit organization providing detailed car seat reviews, FAQs, and guidance on specific car seat models.

The Car Seat Lady
Run by CPS Technicians, this site features installation videos, tips, and model-specific recommendations.

Kids and Cars
Focuses on vehicle safety for children, including car seat safety, heatstroke prevention, and backover risks.

Buckle Up for Life
A national child passenger safety program created by Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. This site provides car seat safety tips, educational videos, and access to local resources to ensure every family has the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe on the road.

Safe in the Seat
A resource offering personalized car seat consultations, courses, and tools to help caregivers confidently choose, install, and use car seats correctly. The site also provides guides, safety tips, and helpful product recommendations.