Where Do I Go to Consult a Car Seat Technician?

Updated on August 06, 2010
E.V. asks from Redwood City, CA
6 answers

I've been lucky enough to be able to keep my oldest daughter rear-facing in her car seat at 4.5 years old. She's still 2 lbs. away from the rear-facing limits & could care less which way she faces. I am confused, though about the height limits. I'm not sure if the straps and headrest still have room to grow or not. I know you're supposed to go by the look of the child in the car seat vs. just the height recommendations in the manual.
Also, my youngest (14 months) is slowly approaching the limits of her infant seat, so I anticipate moving her into the big girls' rear-facing Britax Boulevard & buying a new seat for her--most likely the Britax Frontier 85 since it should fit her all the way through her car seat days. I've read, though that I should try the seat in my car before purchasing to make sure the fit is good for my child but...I don't really know what I'm looking for (and of course, my daughter just requests a cup holder ;)
Where would I go to have a car seat tech take a look at my girls in their current & perspective seats?

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So What Happened?

I ended up going to Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. They have an online registration system, so I was able to make my appointment easily. They are booked on the most busy days/times, but finding a mid-week morning appointment was a cinch. The technicians were extremely knowledgeable (rattled off weight and height limits on the car seats I mentioned) and gave some great recommendations on the best placement for my rear-facing toddler amongst 2 forward-facing seats. I ended up going back a 2nd time to have them install seats in my mother-in-law's and husband's car. My husband and I learned a lot that we didn't know (despite working with Highway Patrol officers in the past) and those car seats aren't budging! I definitely recommend them--a free service and they even validate parking!
Thanks all!

More Answers

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C.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I've been doing all sorts of research on carseats and finally I just went to Lullaby Lane in San Bruno. They have a certified car seat installer, Ben, who is awesome. They have a wide selection of different car seats and will help you put them in your car to ensure they fit correctly. Ben was great about pointing out the pros and cons of different seats. He is also very committed to rear-facing and ensuring the car seat is installed correctly. I bought a car seat while I was there and had him install it. They will install car seats for a nominal charge, even if you didn't buy it from them.

Gotta love old fashioned service!

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Most police stations and fire departments have someone who can help with car seat installation and advice (and they are free). You might want to call ahead, as some places take appointments.

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D.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello E., We actualy have several family members in law enforcement and they helped me. So consider going to the police station ans asking what the law requirements are --- since they are the ones holding us accountable for doing it wrong. I 'd get the business card of the officer that helps and send a Thank You. They don't hear that nearly enough. Also could you tell me how you got your child to stay rear facing for so long? My granddaughter is just to tall and she is 3! Good Luck

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H.K.

answers from San Francisco on

I live in San Mateo & I contacted to the Redwood City Police Department to inspect if our car seat was installed correctly. hth

J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Stanford/Lucille Packard has a great free service. Check out their website for the info.

G.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Not sure how you still have your 4.5yo rear-facing! WOW! I know there's a new trend for rear-facing as long as possible, but according to CHP, babies have to be 1 year and 20lbs to be front-facing. I second that Redwood City does car seat inspections. I found this number on the internet for their police dept ###-###-####. I'll be doing this soon, as my daughter is 24lbs and 9mo.

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