Child Passenger Safety

Why this matters

Most car seats are installed incorrectly

Studies consistently show that the majority of car seats, estimates range from 59 to 73 percent, are installed or used with at least one critical error. These are not minor adjustments. An incorrectly installed car seat is significantly less effective in a crash. It is one of the most common and entirely preventable safety risks for newborns, and it is something most families don't know to worry about until it's pointed out.

As a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), I am trained to inspect and correct car seat installations across all seat types: rear-facing infant seats, convertible seats, combination seats, and booster seats. I understand the specific requirements for preterm and low-weight infants, the nuances of different vehicle types, and the most common mistakes families make when setting up a seat for the first time.

What to expect

A hands-on inspection, not a checklist

A CPST check is not a quick glance and a thumbs-up. I do a full inspection of your seat and vehicle: base angle, harness routing, chest clip position, harness tightness, seat belt or LATCH connection, and vehicle seat compatibility. I check for recalls and expiration on your seat. I walk through every adjustment with you so you understand not just what I fixed, but why it matters and how to replicate it after you've moved the seat to a different vehicle.

I also cover the most common ongoing errors parents make, harness loosening over time, incorrect recline angle as babies grow, bulky clothing and its effect on harness fit, and the common (and dangerous) habit of adding aftermarket padding or inserts not tested with the seat. You leave with the confidence to use your car seat correctly not just today, but six months from now when your baby has grown.

If your current seat is incompatible with your vehicle, expired, or has been in a crash, I'll tell you directly and help you understand what your options are, including what to look for in a replacement.

Included free

Every package includes a CPST check at no extra cost

I include a certified car seat check with every doula package because I believe it should be a standard part of preparing to bring a baby home, not an optional add-on that families skip because of cost. If you're already a client, book your check as part of our prenatal preparation. If you're not a current client and just need the car seat inspection, reach out and we'll find a time that works.