Car seats save lives. Indiana law requires children be in a safety restraint, such as a car seat, until age eight.
Yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children under age 13. Properly installed car seats significantly reduce your child's risk of injury or death.
To ensure your child is in the correct car seat and it is being used correctly, use the IU School of Medicine inspection station finder to find a car seat safety check location near you.
If you are expecting a baby, schedule an appointment before the baby arrives to make sure you know how to use and install the car seat correctly.
Before you arrive, install the car seat and/or base per the manufacturer’s instructions. Bring the instruction manual for the car seat(s) and, if available the vehicle owner’s manual to the appointment. . If there is more than one child, please bring a helper to keep an eye on the children while the parent is being taught how to correctly use and install the car seat.
Riley Children’s Health and IU Health offer Car Seat Safety Checks at some locations. Visit the car seat safety check location finder or the IU Health Classes & Events page to find one near you. IU Health Childbirth Education classes also offer sections on child passenger safety.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Please bring your car seat instruction manual and your vehicle manual to your appointment. At your appointment, the technician will then:
- Review the restraint manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual with the you to ensure that both are being followed correctly.
- Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.
- Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and the expiration date. Make sure the car seat has not been in a crash and car seat history is known.
- Discuss how to properly use and install the car seat.
- Teach how to install the car seat and observe you installing the car seat.
- Discuss the next steps for each child, such as when to move to the next type of restraint.
- Don’t forget about your older children. Please ask about booster seats use and how long a child should use a booster seat before moving to a lap/shoulder belt.
The process takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour per car seat to complete.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the links below to find more information about car seat safety.
The NHTSA provides resources and recommendations for finding the right car seat for your child.
The IU School of Medicine provides local resources, including an inspection station finder.
Find the latest safety tips on the road and in the car for your child.
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