Car Seat Installation
Oconto County has Nationally Certified - Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians throughout the county available to meet with families. We have 4 fitting stations available for our use. These fitting stations are by appointment only, please call our main line to speak with a technician and schedule an appointment 920-834-7000.
There are a few things you should know before you meet with a CPS technician. You will work one-on-one with a technician to learn the tips and tricks for your unique car seat, child and vehicle fit. When you leave, you should feel comfortable working with your child’s car seat. You should feel confident that you could reinstall it on your own or show a family member what you learned comfortably.
- Be ready to learn, not just observe. We are trained to teach you. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes per seat at the fitting station. Each situation is different.
- Try to schedule an appointment 1-2 months before your baby’s due date just in case you deliver early.
- If your child is already born, bring your child with you. Knowing your child’s height and weight is helpful. Securing your child safely in the harness is a large piece of safe travel.
- Attempt to install the car seat using the owner’s manual and vehicle manual prior to the car seat checkup appointment. That way any questions or struggles that pop up can discussed.
- Bring the car seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual with you to your appointment.
A CPS Technician will:
- Fill out a form to note a variety of information: car seat type, brand, model number, location in vehicle and how it arrived.
- Check to make sure the car seat is the right size for your child’s age, size and developmental level.
- Assure each seat is positioned in the best place for that child’s needs.
- Check for recalls on your car seat and vehicle.
- Work with you to install the car seat properly and discuss next steps.
- Answer any questions you may have.
A car seat checkup is successful if you can answer YES to these questions:
- Did you participate in the installation?
- Do you feel confident about installing and using the car seat correctly?
- Did the technician answer all of your questions? If not, were you given resources to get these questions answered or will the technician follow up with you?