car seat installation/inspection

natalee215

Grrr!  I didn't think we were really dragging out feet with this, even though I wanted to have it done by 35 weeks.  Bri had an appointment today to get some stuff looked at on the car, including the car seat installed and inspected.  The place told him that they did it when he made the appointment.  They called him and said they don't do it.  So I called the number that they gave him which is the PA state number for car safety.  I call there and they give me the police barracks.  The next available appointment is 7/12.  So WTF are we supposed to do if the baby comes in the next 2 weeks?  I found something on the internet that said the EMS in our township also does it.  I called and they said they no longer do it. 

Any suggestions on where I might be able to get this done sooner?  I know I'm probably freaking out for nothing, but I just like to have stuff done in plenty of time.

modom3278

I've heard that fire departments will usually do it.  No idea if that is true as we haven't gotten that far yet.  I don't know where else might do it.  What about the hospital?  Sorry I don't have more info.  Good luck!

natalee215

modom3278:

I've heard that fire departments will usually do it.  No idea if that is true as we haven't gotten that far yet.  I don't know where else might do it.  What about the hospital?  Sorry I don't have more info.  Good luck!

I just tried the fire department.  The guy that answered the phone acted like I was asking if the circus was performing at the station tonight.

chickymel

our local fire dept does it.  Can you call the hospital and ask if they know of places that do it?

BlondeBeachBride08

natalee215:

modom3278:

I've heard that fire departments will usually do it.  No idea if that is true as we haven't gotten that far yet.  I don't know where else might do it.  What about the hospital?  Sorry I don't have more info.  Good luck!

I just tried the fire department.  The guy that answered the phone acted like I was asking if the circus was performing at the station tonight.

I'm sorry you got that reaction but that description is hilarious!

try this website, they have an inspection center locator: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ 

ash.flea

Try calling your local police department?  Ours does car seat checks there every Saturday.

https://www.seatcheck.org/

natalee215

I already checked the places through those links.  The appointment that I have for 7/12 is at the police barracks.  I now found a place near DH's work that will do it, but of course the guy that does them in on vacation until 7/6.  I have to call back that day and make an appointment.  Why is being safe so darn difficult?!  I think I'm being proactive doing this 3.5 weeks prior to my EDD.  What is like for people who really procrastinate?

eamaines

natalee215:

  Why is being safe so darn difficult?! 

No kidding.  I had a similar experience when trying to get mine inspected.  From the lack of knowledge these people had on how the process of the whole thing went, I think we were better off not having the damn thing inspected!! 

Jennifer43

I'm sorry you are having such trouble with this! I would say if you lived close, you could come by and have my BIL inspect it for you. He is a firefighter and has been trained/certified on this so we just had him check ours for us.

 

dani_girl08

BRU does inspections as well, but I think it's only on days that they have an event. It can't hurt to call though.  If it makes you feel better, I have left three messages for the guy responsible for it through our police dept, & I have yet to hear back.  Grrrrr.

Butterflie6381

Natalee, there aren't a lot of places around here that do it, so its not your fault and you didn't procrastinate.

From what I remember, the police and hospital where not really helpful, but I found a list online and it was mostly car dealerships and I know one was in Abington. Also, maybe try expanding your search to include Cherry Hill, it will be worth the toll if you can get it done sooner, and they seem to have much more family friendly 'stuff' over there.

Ours was checked by a State Trooper, but it was done at DH's work, so I can't help with that. 

MrsBlayne

I couldn't find anywhere in my area that did it. If the baby comes early, your DH will install it and do a great job. Keep in mind that you will probably be taking it in and out of the car, at least I do, so the most important thing is that you know how to properly install it.

ludyjanboltz

Although I know it gives you peace of mind, there is nothing that says you have to have someone else install it and inspect it, especially before the baby comes.  Have DH go ahead and install it now, and if you are lucky enough to get an appointment prior to bringing baby home, then even better!

When I lived in Cali, the PD did this, but I had to make an appointment several weeks out.  (I didn't have it done until Caroline was over 4 months old.)  Here in GA, I just had it done again because we got a new car seat and they did it at the fire station and they were able to get me in for the appointment in 2 days.  I guess it just depends.  I did have to make several dead end calls before I found someone who knew what I was talking about. 

Good luck!