The Town of Buchanan is lucky to have not one, but TWO Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST)!! Our technicians are certified child passenger safety trainers and advocates.  They went through extensive training to learn all about many different car seats, car set layouts in the back seat(s), proper fit, and so much more!   

Our goal with this appointment is to teach the caregiver how to safely and properly install the car seat in their vehicle, but also the skills to be able to safely install your car seat in any other vehicles the child may travel in.  This will be a one-on-one learning experience so that when you leave the appointment, you will feel confident with your ability to reinstall the car seat at a later date or in a different vehicle.
Each appointment slot is for ONE child/car seat.

Before the Car seat Checkup

• Email one of our CPSTs to schedule an appointment.  Our appointments are limited, so it’s best to schedule early.   Try to schedule your install appointment one to two months before your baby’s due date (in case you deliver early). 

What should you bring?

• Your child (if already born). Info we will need: child’s age, weight, height. Having your child present will help with ensuring the straps fitted at the correct spot, the car seat is at the correct position/angle, etc. (We understand you may have more than one child, please bring items to entertain your child/ren so you are able to actively participate in the install).
• The car and car manufacturer manual that you will want the car seat installed in.
• Car seat and the coordinating manual
• Tip! Check the index of your vehicle owner’s manual for “child safety seats”.

What to Expect at your appointment:
Keep in mind that your appointment will last 30-45 minutes.  You will be involved during this appointment - you will be working side-by-side with our technician to learn about your car, the car seat, and the proper restraint placements.

During your appointment, your CPS Technician will:

• Fill out a form to note a variety of information, including the car seat type, location in vehicle and misuse observations, if any.
• Ensure that your car seat is appropriate for your child’s age, and size, and review factors affecting proper use.
• Review the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that both are being followed correctly. (Remember to bring the vehicle owner’s manual with you.)
• Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.
• Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.
• Watch you install the car seat(s) correctly using either the seat belt or LATCH system.
• Discuss the next steps for each child, such as when to graduate to the next type of car seat.
• Discuss the benefits of everyone riding properly buckled in, including all adults.
• Discuss safety in and around the vehicle.
• Answer any questions you may have, so ask away.

2026 Dates for scheduling appointments: (each appointment is for ONE child)
Feb 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug 18, Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17
Times will be 4:30, 5:15, 6:00 

Parent Resources, Services and Information:
What car seat should I buy?? https://ucsg.safekids.org/
Safety Info - https://www.safekidswi.org/SafeKids/Resources
Wisconsin state car seat laws - https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/child-safety/laws.aspx
CDC Safety Info - https://www.cdc.gov/child-passenger-safety/about/index.html
Center for Childhood Safety and Info - https://www.centerforchildhoodsafety.org/ 

***If you have ANY questions about car seats, travel safety, car or car seat recalls, etc., please feel free to email megank@townofbuchanan.wi.gov