Your Questions, Answered

  • Car Seat Momma is a Cape Cod nonprofit that helps families use car seats correctly. We offer hands-on car seat checks, safety classes, and support getting the right seat for your child. Founded in 2017, we became a 501(c)(3) in 2024.

  • Yes. Every check, class, and session is free to families. No catch, no sales pitch.

  • Local foundations, businesses, community partners, and individual donors. Their support means cost is never a reason a child rides unsafely.

  • Never. Most car seats have at least one mistake, and car seats are confusing. On Cape Cod in 2025, 73% of the seats we checked had at least one significant error. You are not alone, and asking for help is the smartest thing you can do.

  • We're fully mobile and come to you, anywhere from Wellfleet to Duxbury. We also host community events like Seat Check Saturday and show up at farmers markets and local partner sites.

  • Pick a time at calendly.com/carseatmomma. You can also call 508-776-9921 or email info@carseatmomma.org.

  • Plan on about 30 to 45 minutes per seat. We take the time to make sure you feel confident, not rushed.

    • Your car seat and the vehicle it rides in

    • The car seat manual and your vehicle owner's manual (or know where to find them online)

    • Your child, if possible, so we can check the harness fit

  • We teach you to install it yourself, then check your work. The goal is that you can do it right every time, not just on the day we visit.

  • You'll sign a quick digital form when you book or at the start of your check. It takes a minute on your phone.

  • Around 36 weeks is ideal. That leaves time to fix anything before baby arrives.

  • Yes. Plastic weakens over time and safety standards change. Look for a sticker or stamp on the seat's side, back, or bottom. Most seats last 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture.

  • Find the model number and manufacture date on the seat's label, then search at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Registering your seat with the manufacturer means you'll be notified automatically.

  • Only if you know its full history. Skip it if it's expired, recalled, missing parts or labels, or has been in a crash. When in doubt, ask us.

  • Often, yes. Each manufacturer has its own rules, so check your manual or give us a call and we'll help you sort it out.

  • When they reach the height or weight limit of their current seat, not just a birthday. Each step up is a small step down in protection, so there's no rush. We're happy to help you decide.

  • A CPST is a nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Our founder, Jenn Christian, is a CPST-I, which means Instructor level. Instructors are the highest credential in the field and train new technicians.

  • Certified technicians stay current on the latest seats, vehicles, and best practices, and must recertify every two years. You get answers rooted in real training, not guesswork.

  • Some have certified technicians, many don't. It's always okay to ask if the person helping you is a certified CPST.

  • Give online through our donation page - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/aca6ccda-169d-40a7-b518-e31d38f5f801. Every dollar goes toward checks, classes, and seats for local families. Car Seat Momma is a 501(c)(3), so your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

  • Yes. We partner with local businesses on events, sponsorships, and community programs. Email info@carseatmomma.org to start the conversation.

  • We'd love that. We welcome certified technicians at community events like Seat Check Saturday. Reach out and we'll add you to our technician list.

  • Absolutely. We teach caregiver classes and speak to Rotary clubs, parent groups, schools, and workplaces. Book a time at calendly.com/carseatmomma/office-hours to talk it through.

  • Yes. Our flyers are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.

  • Call 508-776-9921 or email info@carseatmomma.org. No question is too small.