With the onset of winter weather it seems like car wrecks, spin outs, or vehicles in the ditch are part of the regular commute for us Michiganders. As a mom every time I pass by one I do a quick check in the rear-view to make sure that sweet baby in the back is buckled in tight – which in itself is crazy to me considering less than a year ago I had not even a single clue how to even install that car seat.
Luckily there are a TON of great resources in and around Genesee County to help all moms (new and experienced) with how to properly and safely install car seats.
These people are trained and certified in car seat installation, inspection, and full of tips on how to make travel safe for the entire family. I especially know as a new mom there are few things more terrifying than pulling that brand new car seat out of the box and contemplating how on earth you are to strap a teeny tiny person into it.
Safe Kids of Greater Flint
One Hurley Plaza 7C, Flint, MI 48503
810-262-9643
SafeKids@Hurleymc.com
Led by Hurley Medical Center, Safe Kids is an awesome resource! Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, like car-seat checkups, safety workshops and more. Their goal is to help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.
Faurecia Automotive Seating
11200 Clark Rd, Davisburg, MI 48350
Please call for an appointment: 586-575-6735
Brandon Fire Department
53 South St., Ortonville, MI 48462
Please call for an appointment: 248-627-4000
Oxford Fire Department
96 N Washington St, Oxford, MI 48371
Please call for an appointment: 248-628-8210
Auburn Hills Fire Department
1827 N Squirrel Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Please call for an appointment: 248-370-9461
Sparrow Health Systems
Please call for an appointment: 517-364-3760
Another great option where I myself went to learn the ins and outs of both my infant seat, and now my convertible car seat! Our representative was absolutely fantastic and showed me all about the LATCH system (which I had no idea even existed or what those pesky metal loops were in my car), as well as where the straps should be on my child. She also provided insight on other things like how if a child seat is in an accident often the structural integrity can be compromised therefore it should be inspected again prior to use, how your child should not wear a winter coat in the car-seat, as well as reducing flying objects within a vehicle in case of an accident. Who even knew?!
I felt like mom of the year walking out of my appointment with all this helpful information. It also made me happy to know that they encourage you to come back each time you upgrade or change seats to make sure you are installing them properly as they all have different features / options, so YAY for not having to read those darn instruction manuals!
If you’re looking for more information, another great government sponsored resource is Safercar.gov . You can enter your zip code and it will give you a list of ‘Car Seat Inspection Stations’ around you. Most of these inspection locations require an appointment, which does make life easier as you are not waiting around for an opening.
In addition to getting your car seat inspected, or help on installation you can also:
- Get car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size
- Get car seat installation tips
- Register your car seat(s) to ensure that you receive any car seat and booster seat recall notices (fun tip: they recommended to fill out the registration card with any item you get for your baby or child such as strollers, bouncers, seats, and toys to make sure you do not miss these type of safety alerts)
Do you know of any other car-sear safety resources in the Genesee County area? I’d love to add them to our list to help moms & their families!
