Why should I book an appointment with the Car Seat Concierge?

Did you know that a roadside study in 2015 found that 73% of car seats are installed or used incorrectly? Additionally, 30% of children in booster seats were not meeting the 40lb weight minimum? These alarming statistics highlight the critical importance of ensuring your child's car seat is installed and used correctly.

By booking an appointment with The Car Seat Concierge, you’re ensuring that your child’s car seat is installed properly by a certified expert AND that you can do an installation yourself when needed. Whether you’re a first-time parent, need help with a new seat, or are wanting a seat check and install refresher, I bring my automotive expertise and certification as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to guide you in making the safest choice for your family. I’ll walk you through every step of the installation process, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel confident in how to use your car seat correctly. With in-home visits, I bring my services directly to you—saving you time and providing peace of mind.

As a parent myself, I understand how quickly costs add up. I’ve made sure my prices are reasonable and fair, and believe it is a small price to pay to ensure your childs’ safety.

What do I need to do in advance of my appointment?

Please complete the forms that were emailed to you prior to your appointment. I review every case in advance and do prep work that includes reading both your vehicle and car seat manuals, so having that information ahead of time is essential.

If possible, please weigh and measure your child(ren) before the appointment. I’ll also bring a scale and tape measure if you're unable to do this in advance—these measurements ensure proper car seat fit and installation.

Lastly, make sure there’s a flat, level area in or around your property where we can safely complete the installation.

What are your credentials?

I am a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) through the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, which means I have undergone rigorous training and testing to ensure I have the expertise to properly assess, install, and educate parents on car seat safety.

In addition to my certification, I bring over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, where I worked in both sales and management. This background gives me a unique understanding of vehicles and how car seats interact with them. My combination of hands-on automotive experience and specialized knowledge in car seat safety allows me to provide parents and caregivers with the most reliable and comprehensive support.

Are you insured?

Yes! I have $2 000 000 Professional Liability Coverage and $2 000 000 Commerical Liability Coverage.

Legally, the driver of a vehicle is the one responsible for making sure all passengers in the vehicle are properly buckled up.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, e-transfer, and VISA/Mastercard.

I live outside of Medicine Hat, will you still come to my home for an appointment?

I’m happy to offer my services to families outside of Medicine Hat! While I primarily serve the Medicine Hat area, I’m available for appointments in surrounding regions as well. Additional travel fees may apply depending on your location. We can also meet in Medicine Hat for your appointment at a predetermined location. Please reach out to discuss your specific needs and I’ll do my best to accommodate you!

Should I buy a pre-owned car seat off Facebook marketplace?

It’s generally not recommended to buy a pre-owned car seat off platforms like Facebook Marketplace. While it may be tempting due to cost savings, there are a few important reasons to avoid it:

1. Unknown History: You can’t be sure if the car seat has been involved in an accident, which can compromise its safety. Even a minor crash can cause damage that’s not visible to the eye but could affect the seat’s ability to protect your child in the future.

2. Expiration Dates: Car seats have expiration dates, usually between 6 and 10 years from the manufacturing date. If you purchase a used seat, you may unknowingly be getting one that’s past its expiration, and it’s no longer safe to use.

3. Missing Parts or Recalls: Pre-owned car seats may not come with all the necessary parts (like the instruction manual, harness straps, or the base) or may have been subject to safety recalls, which could make them unsafe.

4. Incorrect Usage: The previous owner may have used the seat incorrectly or installed it improperly, which could make it difficult for you to ensure the seat is used properly for your child.

For your child’s safety, it’s best to invest in a new car seat that you know is free from damage, within its expiration date, and has all necessary components. If you do consider a second-hand seat, make sure you know its full history, including the accident history and expiration date, and verify that it's not under any recall. My rule of thumb is that you should only accept or purchase a used seat from someone that you trust enough to watch your children.