What to Expect When Attending A Car Seat Check Up Event

The car seat check event is one of the best ways to determine if you are using your child's car seat correctly. On average, almost 75 percent of all child safety seats inspected in Maryland are improperly installed or misused.  Here are some things to expect when attending a car seat check event:

• If possible, bring your child(ren). Child passenger safety technicians will want to see how your child fits in the seat that you are currently using.
• If you are unable to bring your child(ren), please place a piece of tape on the car seat, level with your child(ren)’s shoulders, so that the technician can accurately determine your child(ren)’s shoulder level.
• Please pre-install the car seat to the best of your ability.  You must read through your vehicle owner’s manual (car seat section) and car seat manual prior to the appointment.  If you are replacing one car seat for another, read through the owner’s manual for the new car seat prior to your appointment.  Bring all manuals with you that day.
• You will be asked to fill out a form, providing your name, address, the child's name, weight, height and age; and the year, make, model and mileage of your car. Unless required by law, your personal information will be used for identification purposes and data collection only.
• Plan on spending approximately 30 minutes per car seat, to fully assess and learn how to use your child's safety seat.
• Bring a spouse, friend or relative to help keep an eye on your child(ren) while you are working with the technician to install your child safety seat.
• Ask questions and be prepared to be involved in the checking process! Because it is your seat and your child, you should feel confident about how to reinstall it on your own or with help from a spouse, friend, or relative after leaving this event.

Please be patient! Bring snacks, soft toys, and other packable items for everyone's sanity and safety!

For information about events in the following counties or to make an appointment, call the following numbers:

Carroll County 410-876-4448
Dorchester County 410-901-8132
Frederick County 240-379-6000
Howard County 410-313-6090
Montgomery County 240-777-2222
Somerset County 410-651-3882
Wicomico County 410-334-3480

Anne Arundel County residents should visit www.aahealth.org and scroll down to the Calender of Events car seat check information.