Car Seats

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The Lake County Public Health Department has nationally certified technicians who teach parents and caregivers all they can do to prevent unintentional injuries in and around cars.

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of the Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (406) 883-7288


5 Steps to Car Seat Safety

Right Seat. This is an easy one. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height. Like milk, your car seat has an expiration date. Just double check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe.

Right Place. Kids are VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.

Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.

Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.

Please read the vehicle and car seat instruction manuals to help you with this checklist. If you are having even the slightest problem or have any questions or concerns, there are Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to help or even double-check your work, just call (406) 883-7288 to ask a question or schedule an appointment.

  1. Do you offer free car seats?

The Lake County Public Health Department has a limited number of car seats available to families who are receiving some form of public assistance.

Please call the Lake County Public Health Department at (406) 883-7288 to set up an appointment with one of the Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

Upon arrival to the fitting station, expect the fitting appointment to last about an hour. The Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will walk you through the entire install procedure with your new car seat. Under most circumstances, you will be physically installing the seat under the direction of the technician. This provides you the ability to learn the entire process of how to properly install a child safety seat in your vehicle.


  1. I need help installing the car seat I just purchased. Who can help?
  1. Can I continue to use our car seat after a crash?
  1. Should I buy a used car seat?
  1. When do I know my child has outgrown their car seat?
  1. Find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician anywhere in the USA.
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