Get a free car seat inspection from a certified technician

Have your car seat installation checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). These trained professionals inspect the seat for correct installation, proper harness fit, and appropriate recline angle -- and the service is almost always free. This is the single most effective way to ensure your child is properly protected.

How to Find a CPST

1. NHTSA inspection locator: Visit nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats and use the inspection station locator to find events and permanent stations near you
2. Safe Kids Worldwide: safekids.org lists car seat check events by ZIP code
3. Local fire stations and police departments: Many have CPSTs on staff who offer free checks by appointment
4. Hospitals: Some hospitals check your car seat before discharge with a newborn

What Happens at an Inspection

• The technician reviews your car seat model, expiration date, and recall status
• They check installation tightness (the 1-inch rule), harness routing, recline angle, and chest clip placement
• They teach you how to install the seat correctly so you can do it yourself going forward
• The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes

Tips

• Bring your vehicle, the car seat installed as you normally use it, and the car seat manual
• Schedule an inspection before the baby arrives if possible -- it reduces stress and gives you time to fix any issues
• Get a recheck whenever you switch vehicles, change seating position, or transition to a new seat stage
• A CPST will never sell you anything; their role is education and verification only