Car seats and booster seats help protect infants and children during a crash. In fact, using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury by 71–82% for children compared with using a seat belt alone.* Choosing the right car seat and installing it correctly every time can help keep your child safe. This page provides information about selecting, installing, and checking your child’s car seat.

How to Choose and Install a Car Seat

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends following these steps to choose, install, and maintain the right car seat for your child:

1. Choose the right type of car seat. Learn about the four car seat types restraints: rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Follow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's car seat recommendations based on your child’s age, height, and weight.
2. Find and compare car seats. Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Car Seat Finder to find a car seat that fits your child, your vehicle, and your needs.
3. Install the car seat correctly. Follow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s car seat installation instructions and videos. Learn how your car seat works and make sure it is installed properly before use.
4. Get your car seat checked. Have your car seat inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician. See the list of local inspection locations below.
5. Register your car seat. Registering your car seat helps you receive important safety updates, including recall notices.

Car Seat Inspections in Santa Clara County

Many car seats and booster seats are installed or used incorrectly. In fact, nearly half of car seats are misused in ways that may reduce the protection they provide.** We recommend having your car seat inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician. Below is a list of local inspection locations. Appointments are required.

Please note: The San José Fire Department does not provide car seat inspections or installations.