Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is paramount, and proper car seat installation is a crucial aspect of this. Are you confident that your child’s car seat is installed correctly? Mistakes in car seat fitting are more common than you might think, which is why expert guidance is invaluable. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) understands this concern and offers the Chop Car Seat Program to provide parents and caregivers with the resources and support they need to secure their children safely. Through both in-person and virtual car seat checks, CHOP’s certified experts help you navigate the complexities of car seat safety, offering peace of mind on every journey.
Discover National Car Seat Check Resources
Beyond the CHOP Car Seat Program, numerous national resources are available to help you find certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians. These technicians can offer hands-on assistance and ensure your car seat is fitted correctly, regardless of your location. Two primary national organizations provide searchable databases to locate car seat fitting stations near you:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Their website provides a tool to find car seat inspection stations across the country. You can access this resource by visiting the NHTSA website.
- Safe Kids USA: This organization also offers a search function to locate car seat check events and fitting stations in your vicinity. Visit the Safe Kids USA website to find local resources.
Alternatively, you can reach out to the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) for information on local car seat check resources. Don’t hesitate to also contact your local police or fire department’s non-emergency line, hospital, or state highway department, as they may also offer or be aware of car seat safety programs in your community.
The CHOP Car Seat Program in Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas
For families in the Greater Philadelphia area, the CHOP Car Seat Program, in partnership with the Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania Coalition, offers dedicated support. The Injury Prevention Program at CHOP works diligently to educate parents and caregivers on the proper installation techniques for child safety seats. Serving Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties as part of Safe Kids Worldwide, the Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania Coalition provides invaluable local resources.
These car seat inspection events are provided completely free of charge, encouraging all parents and caregivers of young children to participate. The program is generously supported by Geico Insurance, highlighting their commitment to child safety within the Philadelphia community. For a detailed listing of car seat inspection stations in the Philadelphia area, you can download a comprehensive list.
Preparing for Your Car Seat Check Appointment
To make the most of your car seat check appointment with the CHOP Car Seat Program or any other fitting station, remember to bring the following items:
- The vehicle in which your child will be traveling.
- Your child safety seat.
- The car seat manual.
- Your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Your child (if feasible).
If you have multiple children who require car seats, please bring all of them and their respective car seats. A certified technician can provide guidance on the most effective and safe placement of each seat within your vehicle, ensuring optimal protection for all your children.
Adapting Car Seats as Your Child Grows
Car seat needs evolve as your child grows. Often, the initial introduction to car seats occurs when preparing to bring a newborn home from the hospital, as they are typically mandatory for hospital discharge. As your child develops, transitions to different types of car seats are necessary. Starting with rear-facing infant seats, children will eventually need to transition to convertible and/or forward-facing seats, and ultimately, to belt-positioning booster seats.
For detailed information on each stage of child safety seats, refer to CHOP’s resources on Car Seat Safety by Age. Crucially, always consult both your vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat instruction manual each time your child transitions to a different type of seat. This ensures you are following the specific guidelines for both your vehicle and the car seat, maximizing safety at every stage of your child’s growth.
Prioritize your child’s safety by taking advantage of resources like the CHOP Car Seat Program and national car seat fitting stations. Proper car seat installation is a vital step in protecting your precious cargo on every journey.
