Is your child’s car seat installed correctly? If you are not completely sure, you can have it checked by a certified professional at no cost in El Paso.
The El Paso Health Car Seat Safety Program, facilitated by the UMC Foundation, offers free monthly car seat safety events with certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). Technicians can inspect a child’s car seat, check the installation and show parents and caregivers how to use the seat correctly.
What happens at an inspection?
A certified technician will look at the car seat, the way it is installed in the vehicle and how the child fits in the seat.
The technician checks whether the seat is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight and whether it meets current safety standards. Families also receive hands-on guidance on installation and proper harness use, so they can feel more confident using the seat on their own.
You do not have to wait until you have a problem with the seat to get it checked. If you recently purchased a car seat, changed vehicles or simply want to make sure everything is set up correctly, an inspection can help answer those questions.
What should you bring?
For the inspection, families should bring:
- The child’s car seat
- The vehicle where the seat will be installed
- The child, unless the baby has not been born yet
- Any questions or concerns about the installation
There are no income or residency requirements to participate in the El Paso Health Car Seat Safety Program.
Need a different car seat?
An inspection does not automatically mean you need to replace your current seat.
If the technician determines that the seat is appropriate and safe to use, they can help you correct the installation or fit. If a replacement is needed and an appropriate seat is available through the program, a car seat may be provided at no cost.
The program also has a Special Needs Car Seat Loaner Program for children who temporarily need a specialized seat because of medical needs, including casts or braces. A healthcare provider referral is required for the loaner program.
For parents who want help specifically through the UMC Foundation program, upcoming events and registration information are available through the El Paso Health Car Seat Safety Program.
To learn more or ask about an upcoming inspection, contact Carolyn Williams at (915) 521-7229, Ext. 80528, or email CWilliams@umcelpaso.org.
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