What's a Certified Child Passenger Technician?

Car seats can be confusing. Do you feel like you’re not quite sure if your child’s car seat is installed correctly? Do you see or read confusing things about car seats online and need some clarification? Do you know when you should turn your child’s car seat to forward-facing? Do you know how long your child should ride in booster seat?  Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST)  can help answer  these questions and more.

One of our dedicated Child Passenger Safety Technician helps a new parent with his child's car seat.

CPSTs are specially trained people with knowledge and experience in car seats. They have attended a 40-hour course focused solely on car seats and are required to renew their certification every two years. They keep up with all the manufacturer updates to car seats, understand car seat recalls and are knowledgeable about local car seat laws.  They can help you install your child’s seat; help you choose the proper seat and/or answer any questions you might have. You can often find a CPST at your local fire or police station or hospital. Typically, these services are low-cost or free of charge. If you need to find a local CPST, visit cert.safekids.org .  If you live in the Chicago area, you can reach out to the staff at our Buckle Up program at carseats@luriechildrens.org or 312-227-7081.  We’re here to help.