A Conversation With A Car Seat Expert

This month we wanted to hear more from our Child Passenger Safety Technician, Beverley, about how she got interested in car seat safety and what the journey to becoming a CPST was like.

How did you become interested in car seat safety?

The rules seemed to change frequently.  The car seat designs kept changing,  too.  I felt like I followed the changes and rules well, yet I was confused.  Then, I found out that there were Child Passenger  Safety Technicians,  CPSTs. Car seat gurus!  ​

​What is the training like?

​Training was far more intense than I could imagine. We learned about all the various seat belt options in cars, vans etc. Then we learned about rear facing car seats, convertible seats, combination seats and then high back boosters and boosters. The heights and weights for each,  how to secure them in the vehicle and how to safely secure the child in the seat. On the fifth and final day we had to put various seats in a variety if vehicles. Yes, it was  5 day course with police, sheriff deputies, firefighters and school bus personnel.

What are some common issues/mistakes that new parents experience?

Common mistakes include:

  • Not having the 5-point harness snug and positioned correctly,
  • Turning a toddler forward facing too early, allowing a child who cannot sit well in the car to use the regular seat belt, which also needs to be fitted properly.
  • Placing items, toys mirrors etc in the seat that are not tested by the car seat manufacturers.

How do you see your role in assisting parents as an educator?

Primarily, I am teaching  parents how to use the seats and thus keep their child as safe as possible should they be in a collision.

There are a few points to keep in mind, with cooler weather on the horizon. Adults, children and babies should NOT wear bulky clothing or coats in the car. Children can wear hats and gloves, but parents should use opt for blankets (instead of thick coats) after harness their child in. This way, the child can pull it off when they get hot, but also, you have the coat once you arrive at the park etc​.

 

You’ve heard from the car seat expert, but have you read our blogpost about the babywearing expert? Click here to read it now!