Find Free Car Seat Programs Near You: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Ensuring your child’s safety on the road is paramount, and a properly fitted car seat is non-negotiable. However, the cost of car seats can be a significant burden for many families. Fortunately, numerous organizations across the United States offer Free Car Seat Programs to help parents and caregivers secure this essential safety equipment without financial strain. This guide, brought to you by your trusted automotive experts at cardiagnostictool.store, will navigate you through the various avenues to access free car seat programs, ensuring your little ones travel safely.

Types of Organizations Offering Free Car Seat Programs

Many different types of organizations are dedicated to child passenger safety and offer assistance programs. These programs are often designed to reach families who need them most, ensuring that financial constraints don’t compromise child safety. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of organizations you can approach:

State and Local Health Departments

Your state or local health department is a vital resource for public health information and services. These government agencies often have programs aimed at improving child safety, which can include car seat distribution. They frequently prioritize low-income families or those with demonstrated needs. Program availability and eligibility can differ significantly by state and even county, so direct contact is crucial for the most accurate information. Many departments also require participants to attend a brief safety course before receiving a car seat, ensuring proper usage.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in addressing social issues, and child safety is a frequent focus. National and local non-profits often run programs that provide car seats, sometimes coupled with safety education. Organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide and United Way are examples of national groups, while many local charities also operate car seat programs. Funding for these organizations often relies on donations, so availability may fluctuate. Websites like Charity Navigator can help you verify the legitimacy of a non-profits.

WIC Programs (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC is a federal program focused on the health and nutrition of low-income women, infants, and children. Recognizing the importance of safe transportation, WIC programs often incorporate car seat assistance. If you are already enrolled in WIC, inquire about their car seat program. Like other programs, WIC usually requires participation in a safety education session to ensure car seats are used correctly.

Medicaid

Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides health coverage to millions of low-income Americans. Understanding that access to healthcare includes safe transportation to appointments and daily life, Medicaid programs sometimes extend to car seat provisions. If you are a Medicaid recipient, check with your state or local Medicaid office to see if car seat assistance is available. Safety courses are often a prerequisite for receiving a car seat through Medicaid.

Insurance Companies

While not always widely advertised, some insurance companies offer car seat benefits to their policyholders, particularly for new or expecting parents. This may be part of a broader policy benefit package. Contact your insurance provider directly or review your policy details to see if free or discounted car seats are offered. This benefit is usually for insured pregnant women or new mothers.

State Car Seat Inspection Stations

State car seat inspection stations, frequently located at fire departments or sheriff’s offices, are invaluable resources for ensuring car seats are installed correctly. Certified technicians at these stations offer free inspections and, importantly, are often connected with local charities and programs that provide free car seats. While not all inspection stations directly distribute car seats, they can be a gateway to finding local resources.

Local Churches

Local churches are often deeply embedded in their communities and run outreach programs to support families in need. Churches may have partnerships with charities or direct resources to help families obtain car seats. Reaching out to local churches in your area can uncover unexpected avenues for assistance. Resource availability can vary significantly between churches, so direct inquiry is best.

Pregnancy Life Centers

Pregnancy Life Centers, frequently non-profit, offer support and resources to women during pregnancy and early parenthood. These centers often provide essential baby supplies, and car seats are frequently among the items they offer, sometimes as part of broader parenting programs. Enrolling in parenting or childbirth classes at these centers may qualify you for free car seats. Availability and specific requirements will vary by center, so contacting them directly is recommended. National networks like Care Net and Heartbeat International can help you locate centers in your area.

Hospitals and Healthcare Systems

Hospitals and healthcare systems are focused on patient well-being, and some extend this care to include car seat assistance for new parents or families with young children within their network. Hospitals may directly provide car seats at no cost or have referral programs to local resources. Contacting the social work or patient services department of your local hospital or healthcare system can reveal potential programs.

two booster car seats, pink and violet colors

Free Car Seats by State: A Detailed Directory

To make finding assistance easier, we’ve compiled a state-by-state guide to free car seat programs. This list, while comprehensive, is not exhaustive, and local programs can change. Always verify information directly with the listed organizations.

ALABAMA Free Car Seats

Alabama Department of Public Health (Statewide): Assistance for expectant mothers or parents on federal benefits (WIC, AllKids, Food Stamps, Medicaid). Monthly clinics in Montgomery (appointment only). Programs in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville. Website.
Alabama Farmers Federation (Statewide): Low-cost car seats for members. Order forms at Alfa offices. Website.
Children’s of Alabama, (Birmingham): Free car seats for patients lacking one at discharge (educational video required). Learn more
Baby’s Bounty (Montgomery): Car seats and newborn essentials for families in need. Find out more

ALASKA Free Car Seats

Safe Alaskans (Anchorage): Car seats (suggested $35 donation) and booster seats (suggested $10 donation). Website.
Community Pregnancy Center (Anchorage): Earn “Baby Bucks” for classes, redeemable for car seats. Website.
Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults (Wasilla): Reduced-cost car seats based on a sliding scale. Website.
Alaska Injury Prevention Center (Anchorage): Limited free car seats and boosters for a small donation. Website.
Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition (Statewide): Events with free car seats and boosters. Event calendar.
Fairbanks Safe Rider Program (Fairbanks): Potential car seats/boosters, contact for details. Website.
Juneau Police (Juneau): Inspections and replacement seats for a minimum fee if needed. Website.
Alaska DOT (Statewide): Resource page for free car seat information. Website.

ARIZONA Free Car Seats

Children Are Priceless Passengers (Statewide): Free car seats after $35 safety class fee (9 locations). Website.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Phoenix): Car seat distribution. Road safety programs page.
Yavapai Regional Medical Center (Prescott): Free/discounted car seats with safety class. (928) 771-5651, Website.
Deer Valley Unified School District Child Car Seat Safety Program (Phoenix): Limited free car seats with education class. Website.
Tuscon Medical Center Car Seat Loaner Program (Tucson): Loan program ($40/month), giveaway events. Website.
HealthLinks Car Seat Program (Phoenix): Free car seats for qualified individuals after 2-hour class. Details.

ARKANSAS Free Car Seats

Farm Bureau Federation (Statewide): Low-cost car seats for members with Farm Bureau Insurance. Website.
Rogers Police Department Car Seat Loan Program (Rogers): Loan program for families with financial hardship (Wednesdays 9 am-3 pm). Learn more

CALIFORNIA Free Car Seats

California Office of Traffic Safety (Statewide): County-based directory for car seat education and distribution resources. Website.
Police Departments & California Highway Patrol Offices (Statewide): Free exchange for expired car seats (most locations). More information.
OC Health (Orange County): List of organizations offering car seat education and free/low-cost car seats. Details.
First 5 LA (Los Angeles County): Free car seats for qualified individuals completing safety class. Website.
Clinic in the Park’s Boosters in a Bag (Orange County): Free booster seats after online course. Details.
Pacific Safety Center (San Diego County): Free car seats for low/median income, Native American, and military families. Website.
Solano County Public Health (Solano County): Vouchers for low-cost car seats for low-income families after safety classes. Website.
Safe Kids Sacramento (Sacramento County): Low/no-cost car seats for low-income families after online class. Website.
River to Coast Children’s Centers (Sonoma County): Low-cost car seat program and safety education for low-income families. Website.
City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County): Free car seats for low-income families (appointment needed). Details.
CHOC Child Safety Seat Distribution Program (Orange County): $30 car seats for CHOC patients after safety class. Website.
Camarena Health (Madera County): Free car seats after car seat safety classes. Details.
Family Health Centers of San Diego (San Diego County): Free car seats for Prenatal program patients. Website.
Venice Family Clinic (Los Angeles County): Monthly car seat safety classes with free car seats for low-income families. Website.
St. Mary’s Medical Center (Los Angeles County): Referrals to free/low-cost baby essentials, including car seats (Welcome Baby program). Website.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (Los Angeles County): Free car seats for families on public assistance after twice-monthly safety classes. Details.
St Francis Medical Center (Los Angeles County): Free car seats for eligible families after class. Details.
East Valley Community Health Center (Los Angeles County): Free virtual car seat safety class with free car seats for qualified families. Details.
Whittier Hospital (Los Angeles County): Free rear-facing car seat and diaper bag for moms delivering at the hospital. Details.
Butte County Public Health (Butte County): Low-cost car seats for qualifying low-income families after free car seat class. Website.
San Diego County Public Health (San Diego County): Free car seats for low-income, active military, or refugee women (8+ months pregnant) and families with children up to 9. Details.
Shasta County Health and Human Services (Shasta County): Free car seats for pregnant moms attending 3 classes and meeting qualifications. Details.
Plumas County Public Health Agency (Plumas County): Free car seats for eligible families after education and installation by certified technician. Details.
Colusa County Family Action Centers (Colusa County): Potential free car seats for families after $20 classes. Details.
Merced County Public Health (Merced County): $25 car seat class.

COLORADO Free Car Seats

Safe Kids Larimer County (Larimer County): Car seat resource program (suggested $30 donation per car seat). Website.
Morgan County Public Health (Morgan County): $50 car seat vouchers for low-income families (Walmart redeemable).
Custer County Program (Custer County): Contact Terra Raye (719-783-9451 or 719-371-3046, [email protected]) for potential car seat resources.
Montezuma County Car Seat Program: Reduced-cost car seats, safety education, and certified technicians. Learn more

CONNECTICUT Free Car Seats

St. Gianna Pregnancy Resource Center: Maternity and baby items. Website.
Hope Pregnancy Center: “Earn While You Learn” program for material assistance. Website.
Southington Police Department: Consider requests for child passenger seats. [email protected], Facebook.
Carolyn’s Place Pregnancy Care Center: “Earn While You Learn Classes” may lead to baby items including car seats. Website.

DELAWARE Free Car Seats

Delaware Opportunities Inc. (Statewide): Free car seats and installation instruction for income-qualified families. Website.
Delaware Division of Public Health (Statewide): Car seat inspection stations with certified technicians and potential free car seats. Calendar.

FLORIDA Free Car Seats

Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office (Statewide): Sponsors car seat purchase and distribution to trained CPS instructors. More information.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg): Low-cost car seats for families in need. More information.
Florida Farm Bureau (Statewide, Members Only): Low-cost car seats and booster seats for members. More details.
Tampa Police Department (Tampa): CPSTs provide and install child safety seats for residents in need. Website.
Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. (Palm Beach County): Reduced-cost car seats. Details.
Florida Health Pinellas (Pinellas County): Low-cost safety seats for financially eligible individuals after workshops. Website.
Mothers Helping Mothers (Sarasota, Manatee, surrounding counties): Baby necessities including car seats for families in need. Website.
St. Johns County Tax Collector – Project Buckle Up: Free car seats for families in need and safety education. Project Buckle Up
Wolfson Children’s Hospital Car Safety Program: Low-cost car seat workshop in Jacksonville. Low-cost Car Seat Workshop

GEORGIA Free Car Seats

Child Occupant Safety Project (Statewide): Child safety seats and installation information via Mini Grant Program. More information.
South Health District Car Seat Program (Valdosta, Lowndes County): Child safety seats for low-income families. Website.
District 4 Public Health (Troup County + 8 counties): Free booster seats and safety training for financially eligible families. Details.
Safe Kids Cherokee County (Cherokee County): Free car seats and education for financially qualified families. More information.
Safe Kids North Fulton (North Fulton County): Free car seats and education for qualifying families. Details.
Northeast Georgia Health System (Northeast Georgia): Discounted car seats after Car Seat Safety Class. Website
Women’s Enrichment Center of Dalton (Calhoun, Gordon County): Free car seats after Car Seat Education Class. Details.
Bartow County Fire & Emergency Services (Bartow County): Car seat checks/installations and assistance obtaining car seats for low-income families. More information.
Safe Kids Program at Children’s Hospital of Georgia: Car seat safety program. Safe Kids Program
Safe Kids Cobb County: Injury prevention including car seat safety. Safe Kids Cobb County

HAWAII Free Car Seats

Statewide: $25 tax credit per year for booster/child safety seat purchase. More information.
Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children (Oahu): Potential free car seats and education (contact to inquire). Website.
Aloha Pregnancy Center (Oahu): Baby & Me Boutique with car seats for families in need. Website.
Keiki Closet (Oahu): Partners with LIV pregnancy center to provide baby essentials including car seats. Website.
Malama Pregnancy Center of Maui (Maui): Material assistance may include car seats. Website.

IDAHO Free Car Seats

St. Luke’s Children’s and Kohl’s – Right Seat 4 Kids 4 Care (Statewide): Free car seats for families in need. (208) 381-3033. More information.
Kootenai Health (Kootenai County): Education, installation, and limited free seats for qualified individuals (donation basis). Details.
Safe Kids USA (Statewide): Contact districts for free/discounted car seats:
- DISTRICT 1: Kootenai Health, (208) 666-2030
- DISTRICT 2: Moscow PD, (208) 883-7054; Success by 6, (208) 882-7387; St Joseph Regional, (208) 799-5430
- DISTRICT 4: Safe Kids Treasure Valley, (208) 381-3033; Meridian Fire, (208) 884-0597
- DISTRICT 5: Safe Kids Magic Valley, (208) 814-7640 (low-cost seats too)
- DISTRICT 6: Southeast District Health, (208) 478-6315
- DISTRICT 7: Madison Memorial Hospital, (208) 359-6710
Medical Home Portal – Idaho Car Seat Safety: Directory of Idaho car seat safety resources. Medical Home Portal

ILLINOIS Free Car Seats

DuPage County Health Department’s Child Car Seat Program (DuPage County): Free car seats for low-income families (safety training required). Details.
Buckle Up Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Program (Chicago, Cook County): Reduced-cost car seats for at-risk families. More information.
CountyCare (Cook County): Free car seats for expectant parents. Details.
Fair Hope (Vermilion County): Car seats for families WITHOUT a vehicle (5-40 lbs seats). Details.
Safe Kids Coalition (Statewide): Events with instruction, inspections, and potential free/low-cost car seats. More information.
OSF Children’s Hospital (Peoria, Peoria County): Low-cost car seat program. More information.
Auxiliary Stroger Hospital: Community programs may offer car seats. Auxiliary Stroger Hospital Community Programs
Grant A Wish Inc. Chicago: Baby Program offers car seats to parents in need. Grant A Wish Inc. Baby Program

INDIANA Free Car Seats

Community Health Network (Marion County): Free car seats for parents in need. Details.
Gear-Up for Safety Program (Statewide): Safety equipment including car seats. Details.
Project L.O.V.E. (Statewide): Free car seats for low-income Indiana residents. More information.
Franciscan Health Car Seat Safety Clinics (Tippecanoe County): Free car seats for families in need (reservations and eligibility required). Details.
Indiana University School of Medicine (Marion County): Free car seats via partnership with Go Insurance. Details.
Spencer County Car Seat Program: Inspections and car seats for income-eligible families. Spencer County Car Seat Program

IOWA Free Car Seats

Unitypoint Health – Des Moines, Statewide: Potential free car seats (convertible, combination, booster seats). More information.
Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA, Johnson County: Free car seats at periodic events for families in need. More information.
Jones County Public Health, Jones County: Car seats and booster seats for families in need. More information.
Stork’s Nest in Polk County, Iowa: Incentive program with baby items like car seats for low-income mothers. More details.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Safety Store: Discounted car seats and safety products. Website
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa: Free car seats via “Kids on the Go!” program. Document.

KANSAS Free Car Seats

Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, Statewide: Program seats for eligible families with eWIC, KanCare, Vision Card, or Kansas Farm Worker Health Program. More information.
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and North Kansas City Fire Department, North Kansas City: Free car seats for low-income families (income restrictions apply). More information.
Swope Health (Kansas City): Free car seat giveaway events. Website.
Baby Talk ICT (Wichita): Potential free car seats for families in need (classes required). Website.
Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Kansas City): Car seat safety program, potentially offering car seats. Website.

KENTUCKY Free Car Seats

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Statewide: Inspections and potential free car seats for families in need. Official website.
Hardin County Health Department, Hardin County: Car seat program with free car seats for families in need (video and certified tech installation required). Website.
Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, Louisville: Checkups and free car seats for individuals in need meeting criteria. Website.
Jessamine County Health Department, Jessamine County: HANDS program with education, resources, and free car seats (program participation and safety class required). Website.
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Lexington-Fayette County: Car seats for eligible families and inspections. Website.

LOUISIANA Free Car Seats

Councilman Free Car Seat Program, Baton Rouge: Free car seats for qualifying parents on WIC/SNAP (preregistration required). News page.
University Medical Center New Orleans, Statewide: Free car seats via injury prevention program. Website.

MAINE Free Car Seats

Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, Statewide: Free car seats for qualifying families. Details.
KVCAP Child & Family Services Department, Statewide: Distribution stations for Maine Bureau of Highway Safety’s car seat program (low-income families). Website.
Maine Families Washington County, Washington County: Free convertible and booster car seats for income-eligible families. Details.
Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation, Kennebec County: Car seat education and distribution (appointments required). Website.

MARYLAND Free Car Seats

Safe Kids Frederick County, Frederick County: Free car seats for residents. Webpage.
Maryland Department of Health’s Kids In Safety Seats, Statewide: Low-cost car and booster seats and special needs loaner programs. Webpage.
Holy Cross Health (Silver Spring, MD): Car Seat Rental Program. Website.

MASSACHUSETTS Free Car Seats

Massachusetts Car Seat Distribution Program, Statewide: Car seats for qualifying entities to distribute to needy families. Website.
Boston Children’s Primary Care, Boston: Car seats and booster seats for low-income families under care. Website.
Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Worcester: Car seat check-up events and car seats/booster seats for families in need. Webpage.
UMass Amherst Police Department, Amherst: Grant-funded car seats for parents in need. Contact Officer Brian Kellogg. Details.
Boston Public Health Commission’s Childhood Injury Prevention Program, Boston: Child safety seats for Boston’s low-income families (MassHealth eligibility or below poverty line). Webpage.
Boston Medical Center (Boston): Car seat program for patients. Program PDF.

MICHIGAN Free Car Seats

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, Statewide: Supports car seat distribution initiatives for low-income families. Details.
Family Futures, Kent County: Free car seats for Medicaid recipients (Kent County residents, income-based eligibility possible). Website.
Kids Always Ride Safe (KARS), Houghton and Keweenaw Counties: Cheap car seat alternative for Houghton & Keweenaw County residents (including WIC families). Website.
Maternal Infant Health Program, Statewide: Free car seats for Medicaid recipients, discounted for economic hardship. Details.
Trinity Health Michigan (Michigan): Child injury prevention program with car seat safety. Website.

MINNESOTA Free Car Seats

Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide: Free car seats for families in need. Details.
The Baby Blanket (Michigan): Crib & Car Seat Program for families in need. Website.
Sherburne County Public Health, Sherburne County: Car seats for income-eligible Sherburne County residents (WIC, Medical aid, Medica PMAP auto-qualify). Details.
Every Day Miracles, Statewide: Car seats for families with Medical Assistance. Website.
Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County: Car seats for uninsured and low-income families (when available). More information.
Renville County Public Health, Renville County: Free car seat class for residents, potential car seats for PrimeWest, Blue Plus, and other eligible groups. Webpage.
Norman-Mahnomen Public Health Department, Norman-Mahnomen Counties: Free car seats for MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance participants. Webpage.
Vadnais Heights City (Statewide): Car Seat Program with safety checks and car seats for families in need. Website
Mille Lacs County Community Health (Minnesota): Car seat safety checks and assistance obtaining car seats. Website
Carver County Public Health (Minnesota): Child Passenger Safety Program with inspections and low-cost car seats for eligible families. Website.

MISSISSIPPI Free Car Seats

Mississippi State Department of Health, Statewide: Free infant/convertible child safety seats for eligible Mississippi children. Assessment form.
Farm Bureau Mississippi, Statewide: Low-cost car seats and booster seats for members (Child Saver Program). Webpage.

MISSOURI Free Car Seats

Platte County Buckle Up Kids Car Seat Program, Platte County: Free car seats for eligible Platte County residents (income requirements). Details.
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Safety Program, Statewide: Free car seats for children under one (parent instruction required). More information.
Cass County Health Department, Cass County: Free car seat safety workshops and potential car/booster seats. Website.
Henry County Health Center, Henry County: Car seats for low-income families. Website.
Lebanon Missouri Child Seat Safety Program, Lebanon: Car seats for those in need. Details.
Lawrence County Health Department (Lawrence County): Education, installation, and low-cost/free car seats for eligible families. Website.
Safe Kids Columbia, Columbia: Free car seats for those in need. Details.
Callaway County Ambulance District, Callaway County: Free car seat vouchers via SERVE, Inc. application. Details.

MONTANA Free Car Seats

Missoula County, Missoula County: Car seat vouchers for public assistance recipients (first-come, first-serve). Website.
Greater Gallatin Safety Commission, Bozeman area: Free car seats for families in need. Details.
SafeSeat for Baby, Statewide: Free car seats via referrals from public health/social service organizations. Webpage.
Safer Start Montana, Statewide: Car seats for families in need (online application required). Website.
Ravalli County, Ravalli County: Car seats for families in need (appointment only). Details.
Safe Kids Yellowstone County, Yellowstone County: Potential car seats (reduced cost or free if qualified). Appointment for car seat check required. Details.

NEBRASKA Free Car Seats

Safe Kids South Central at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings: Low-cost car seats for Medicaid, Kids Connection, or WIC recipients. Website.
Three Rivers Public Health Department (Dodge, Saunders, Washington counties): Car seats for eligible families unable to afford them. Website

NEVADA Free Car Seats

Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Carson City: Discounted car seats (when available). Details.
NyECC Child Car Seat Inspections & Installation, Nye County: Free car seat installation and potential no-cost seats for qualified individuals. 775-727-9970. Website.
Car Seats for Christy, Statewide: Non-profit providing car seats to those in need. Mission.
Baby’s Bounty, Statewide: Car seats and baby essentials for families meeting income guidelines. Program requirements.

NEW HAMPSHIRE Free Car Seats

Amerihealth New Hampshire: Free car seats/booster seats for Amerihealth NH child members (up to $129 value). Benefits
WellSense: Free car seats/booster seats for WellSense NH MassHealth members. Program details
New Hampshire Right to Life (Statewide): Supports pregnancy centers that provide baby items including car seats. Support Pregnancy Centers page.

NEW JERSEY Free Car Seats

Burlington County Child Safety Seat Inspection Program: Potential free car seats for expecting/infant families unable to afford them (application and income proof required). Program details
Ride of My Life: Charity providing car seats to hospitals for maternity patients in need. Initiative Outreach

NEW MEXICO Free Car Seats

New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Statewide: 40 distribution stations, $25 fee (cash only, most locations), WIC/Medicaid/New Mexi-Kids qualification criteria. Website.

NEW YORK Free Car Seats

Ardent Solutions Car Seat Distribution Program, Allegany County: Free car seats for low-income families. Learn more.
Wayne County Public Health Child Safety Programs’ Car Seat Distribution Class, Wayne County: Free car seats for Wayne County residents attending class, with public assistance proof. Details.
Onondaga County Car Seat Program, Onondaga County: Free car seats via Catholic Charities (poverty-based eligibility). Website.
Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center, Bronx, NYC: Newborn car seats or safe sleeping surfaces. More information.
New York Connects (Washington County): Car seat distribution program. Car Seat Distribution Program page.
New Hope Family Services (Syracuse): Pregnancy-related services including car seat help. Website.
Cornell Cooperative Extension (Livingston County): Traffic Safety Education program with car seat education. Website.

NORTH CAROLINA Free Car Seats

Child Passenger Safety program, Henderson County: Free car seats for Henderson County homeowners in need. Website.
Alleghany Council on Children, Youth, and Families (Alleghany County): “Buckle Up Car Seat Distribution Program”. Website.
The Bear Closet (Asheville): Assistance including car seats for families in need. Website.

NORTH DAKOTA Free Car Seats

North Dakota Car Seat Distribution, Statewide: State program with 25+ distribution locations. Location list.
First District Health Unit Car Seat Distribution Program, Ward County: Discounted car seats for all families, further discount for public assistance recipients. Details.
Bismarck Child Safety Program (Bismarck): Car seat safety education and potential resources for families in need. Website.
Safe Kids Grand Forks (Grand Forks): Checkup events, education, and potential car seats for families in need. Website.

OHIO Free Car Seats

Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide: Free car seats/booster seats for qualified low-income families (instructional session required, small donation suggested). Program details.
Columbus Public Health Car Seat Program, Columbus: Discounted car/booster seats for families in need (WIC clinic or CPH Home Visiting program referral required, class needed). Details.
Akron Children’s Hospital Car Seat Program, Akron: Reduced-cost car seats for low-income families (government assistance recipients, education required). Details.
Lorain County Car Seat Program, Lorain County: Car seats/booster seats for qualifying Lorain County residents (WIC/SNAP eligible, information session needed). Details.
Tuscarawas County Health Department Car Seat Program, Tuscarawas County: Free car seats for WIC income-eligible children (class and quiz required). Details.
Putnam County Health Department Car Seat Program, Putnam County: Free car seats for Putnam County residents meeting WIC income guidelines. Details.
Warren County Health District Car Seat Program, Warren County: Free car seats for families meeting WIC income limits (class required). Details.
Knox Public Health Car Seat Program, Knox County: Low-cost convertible/booster seats for low-income families (class and $10 suggested charge). Details.
Belmont County Health Department Car Seat Program, Belmont County: Free car seats for eligible families (WIC eligibility documents required). Details.
Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) Car Seat Program, Lake County: Car seats for income-eligible families (instructional class required). Details.
Perry County Health Department Car Seat Program, Perry County: Free car seats for Perry County residents (WIC customers or income-eligible, infant seats for Job and Family Services recipients). Details.

OKLAHOMA Free Car Seats

SPARC Car Seats: Single Parent Academic Resources Collaborative, Oklahoma City: Car seat distribution program (first-come, first-served, events listed online). Details
Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, Injury Prevention Service, Safe Kids Oklahoma, Statewide: Free car seats/booster seats for families qualifying for WIC, Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF (via county health departments). Details
Bethany Children’s Health Center, Bethany: Low-cost car seats for eligible individuals. Details
Infant Crisis Services, Oklahoma City: Baby supplies including car seats for those in need. Details
Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service, Muskogee County: Grant-funded car seats for low-income families. Details

OREGON Free Car Seats

Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, Grants Pass: Reduced-cost seats for OHP recipients or families working with WIC. Details
Oregon Building Healthy Families, Wallowa County: Car seats with classes on a sliding scale. Details
Bambinos Oregon, Polk County: Seats for Bambinos clients in Polk County ($15 deposit and education). Details
Care Inc, Tillamook County: Low-cost car seats for Tillamook County residents (case-by-case). Details
Legacy Health, Portland: Car seat safety class with no/low-cost car seats (availability dependent). Details
Multnomah County Healthy Birth Initiative, Multnomah County: Discounted car seats for Black/African American families in Multnomah County. Details
Doernbacher Children’s Hospital, Portland: Works with ODOT to determine car seat program eligibility. Details
Safe Kids Lower Columbia, Columbia County: Interactive car seat program with instruction, Visa gift card, and free car seat if needed. Details
Salem Right to Life Center, Salem: Earn “Baby Bucks” for a new car seat by taking parenting classes. Details
Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc, Umatilla & Morrow Counties: Reduced-cost car seats for low-income families near Hermiston and Pendleton. Details
Vine Medical Pregnancy Health Clinic: New car seats for participants in educational programs. Details, Educational Resources
City of Albany, Albany: Low-cost seats for income-eligible families in Linn and Benton counties (referral needed).

PENNSYLVANIA Free Car Seats

Tri-County Community Action, Dauphin County: Discounted car seat program for referred families or public assistance recipients. Details
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia: Free car seats for those referred by healthcare professionals and receiving public assistance (EBT Access card required). Details
Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project’s Car Seat Loan Program, Statewide: Free car seats at locations across the county. Details
Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Central Pennsylvania: Car seat loaner program for low-income families (150% poverty line or less). Details

RHODE ISLAND Free Car Seats

Injury Prevention Center’s 4-Safety Program, Statewide: Potential free car seats for qualified low-income families (CPST installation instruction required). Details
Seats 4 Safety Program at Lifespan (Statewide): Inspections and potential free car seats for eligible families unable to afford them. Website.

SOUTH CAROLINA Free Car Seats

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Midlands: Medicaid discount program for car seats (discounted prices at Palmetto Health Baptist’s Birthplace). (803) 296-5437. Details
Molina Healthcare of South Carolina: Free car seat program for eligible members completing 6 prenatal visits. [email protected], Details

SOUTH DAKOTA Free Car Seats

South Dakota Department of Social Services, Statewide: Child Safety Seat Distribution Program for income-eligible families. Details
Sanford Children’s CHILD Services, Statewide: Child Safety Seat Distribution Program for income-eligible families. Details
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Statewide: Free car seats for parents meeting financial assistance program requirements (Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, CHIP, Child Care Assistance, Head Start). Details

TENNESSEE Free Car Seats

Shelby County Health Department Child Car Seat Program, Shelby County: Free convertible car seats for eligible Shelby County residents with children under 2. Details
Mother To Mother (Nashville): Non-profit providing health, safety, and wellness items, potential car seat assistance programs. Website.

TEXAS Free Car Seats

Texas Health and Human Services, Statewide: Safe Riders initiative with child safety seat distribution to low-income families via local stations. Details
Denton County Public Health, Denton County: Safe Riders initiative offering car seat distribution and education for eligible families (self-certified financial need, class required). Details
St. John’s Community Center, Travis County: Free car seat program for low-income families (safety course required). Details
Living Alternatives of Jacksonville, Jacksonville: Potential free car seats for low-income pregnant mothers or mothers with small children (State of Texas Safe-Riders Program distributor). Details
UMC Foundation El Paso (El Paso): Car Seat Safety Program providing car seats to families who cannot afford them. Website
Families to Freedom (Dallas): Car seat program for families in need. Website.

UTAH Free Car Seats

Salt Lake County Health Department, Salt Lake County: Sliding fee scale for new car seats for qualifying families (class and income proof required). Details
Tooele County Health Department, Tooele County: Low-cost car seats for qualifying families (free education classes). Details
Weber-Morgan Health Department, Weber County: Sliding fee scale for new car seats (class and income proof required). Details
Southwest Utah Public Health Department, Southern Utah: Free/discounted car seats after installation course. Details

VERMONT Free Car Seats

Vermont Safety Seat Voucher Program, Statewide: Free car seats/booster seats for low-income families meeting program qualifications. Details
Rescue Inc., Statewide: Free car seats for qualified low-income families and free inspections. Details
Lyndon Rescue, Statewide: Free inspections/installations, low-cost car seats/booster seats for income-eligible families. Details
Springfield Hospital, Springfield: Certified Passenger Safety Technician and potential car seats for individuals in need. Details
Colchester Police Department, Colchester: Inspections by certified technicians, assistance with free seat vouchers. Details

VIRGINIA Free Car Seats

Virginia Department of Health Low Income Safety Seat Distribution and Education Program, Statewide: Free child safety seats for low-income families. Details
Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax County: Free car seats and instruction for income-eligible parents/foster parents/legal guardians and pregnant women in 3rd trimester. Details
City of Norfolk’s Child Passenger Safety Program, Norfolk: Free child safety/booster seats and instruction for low-income families (3rd trimester to age 7). Details
City of Lynchburg, Lynchburg: Child Safety Seat Technicians and program for low-income children. Details
Louisa County, Louisa County: Child Safety Seat Program providing seat distribution and instruction to low-income families. Details

WASHINGTON Free Car Seats

Seattle Children’s Car Seat Program, Seattle: Car seats for patients/ER patients (families pay what they can towards wholesale cost). Details
Benton Franklin Health District, Benton Franklin: Free car seat checks and car seats for low-income families meeting qualifications. Details
Babies In Need, Southwest WA: Works with social workers to help families get car seats and essentials. Details
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Southwest WA: Car seat education class and limited car seats for low-income families. Details
Eastside Baby Corner, Seattle and Surrounding Areas: Community organization providing car seats and baby essentials. Details and here
Two Hearts Pregnancy Aid, Washington: Car seats for families in need who qualify. Details
West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle: Car seats ordered for qualifying families via Westside Baby partnership. Details and here

WASHINGTON D.C. Free Car Seats

The District Department of Transportation, Washington D.C.: Federally sponsored Child Safety Seat Program providing infant/toddler and booster seats to District households. Details

WEST VIRGINIA Free Car Seats

The Gabriel Project of West Virginia, Statewide: Infant essentials including car seats for families lacking financial means. Details
Motown Christian Help (Morgantown): Programs including car seats for those in need. Website.

WISCONSIN Free Car Seats

West Allis Health Department, West Allis: Low-cost car/booster seats for low-income families. Details
Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Milwaukee): Car seat safety program potentially offering car seats to families in need. Website.
Clark County Health Department, Clark County: “Car Seats for Kids” program with free car seat checks and potential free car seats. Details
Brown County Public Health (Brown County): Discounted car seats for qualifying families. Website.

WYOMING Free Car Seats

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Cheyenne: Free/discounted car seats via partnerships. (307) 432-2679. Details
Teton County Car Seat Program, Teton County: Affordable car seats (suggested $25 donation). Details

This guide provides a starting point in your search for free car seat programs. Remember to contact the organizations directly to confirm eligibility requirements, program availability, and specific details. Prioritizing your child’s safety is crucial, and these programs are valuable resources for ensuring every child travels securely.