Car Seat Safety Checks at Year One Wellness
Car seats are confusing — you’re not the only one who feels that way
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your car seat wondering if you did it right, you’re not alone. Between installation videos, online forums, and the 200-page manual people rarely actually reads, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing something. I’ve met so many parents who admit they’ve triple-checked everything and still don’t feel confident — and as a toddler mom, I’ve been there, too. Car seat safety is one of those things that sounds straightforward until you’re the one buckling in your baby or trying to fit your car seat into your car, especially with the constantly changing designs and regulations. The truth is, there’s no shame in asking for help!
How my background as an infant physical therapist changed the way I look at car seats
As an infant physical therapist, I’ve spent years studying how babies move, grow, and find comfort in their bodies. When I became a mom, I started seeing car seats, not just as safety devices, but as spaces where a baby’s posture and airway really matter. Sometimes a seat looks “right” according to the manual, but the baby’s head is tilted too far forward or sideways, or their shoulders or hips aren’t aligned evenly. These are small things parents may not notice, but from a PT perspective, they can impact comfort, breathing, and even feeding. My goal is to combine the safety standards of a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) with the developmental insight of a physical therapist — so your baby’s ride home is both safe and supportive.
Checking fit, posture, and safety — the details that make all the difference
During a car seat check, I look at more than just the installation. How your baby actually sits in the seat is assessed, including their head position, shoulder level, and how their hips and spine align. We talk about harness snugness, chest clip placement, and how to tell when your seat angle needs adjusting. Sometimes it’s as simple as removing a bulky insert or rolling a towel under the base to get the right recline. Those tiny changes can make a huge difference in both comfort and car seat safety.
What really happens during a car seat safety check at Year One Wellness
When you come in for a car seat safety check at Year One Wellness, you’ll bring your car, your seat, your car and car seat manuals if you have them, and your questions (yes, all of them). We’ll go over your current setup together, check how securely it’s installed, and make sure your baby’s positioning supports their airway, posture, and comfort. I’ll walk you through each step so you understand why the changes matter, not just what to do. There’s no judgment — just practical help and calm reassurance. You’ll leave knowing exactly how to secure your baby safely and comfortably every time you drive.
When to schedule a car seat check (because babies don’t stay little for long)
A car seat check isn’t necessarily just a one-time event. Babies grow quickly, and what fit perfectly at two weeks old may need a few tweaks by two months old. Scheduling a check before your baby is born, again after you’ve been using the seat for a bit, and any time you move to a new car or seat can be beneficial. You can also come in if you notice your baby slumping, fussing more in the seat, or if you just want peace of mind before a trip. My goal is to make car seat safety something you feel confident about, not stressed over, through every stage of your baby’s first year (and beyond).
