Do Firefighters Install Car Seats?
New parents are often nervous about installing their baby’s car seat for the first time. It’s usually a “dad in the driveway with the manual and a YouTube video” kind of moment—followed by mom wanting a second opinion to make sure it’s really as safe as it looks.
That’s why one of the most common things we hear as Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) is, “I’m just going to have the fire station check it.” Fire stations have a well-earned reputation for helping families, so it makes sense that many people assume firefighters are also car seat experts who can inspect or install your seat for you.
But do fire stations actually install car seats??
Sometimes — but not always, and not everyone who works there is trained to do it safely.
While some fire stations do have certified CPSTs on staff, not all do—and this is one of the biggest myths we see when it comes to car seat safety.
And before we go any further, let’s be clear about one thing: we love firefighters. They’re heroes who serve our communities in countless ways! But when it comes to car seats, it’s important to understand the difference between a firefighter who wants to help and a certified technician who has been trained specifically in car seat safety.
Do Fire Stations Install Car Seats?
The short answer is: sometimes.
While many parents assume that every firefighter is automatically trained to install car seats, not every firefighter is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CSPT), and that is the expert advice you’re looking for.
Some fire stations have one or more CPSTs on staff who offer car seat checks by appointment. In those cases, yes, you might get an expert’s help from your local firehouse. However, in many areas, firefighters are not CPST certified, which means they aren’t qualified to inspect or install car seats even if they’re eager to help.
What Is a CPST?
A Child Passenger Safety Technician, or CPST, is someone who has completed a rigorous national certification program through Safe Kids Worldwide. This certification includes multiple days of training, hands-on installations, written tests, and real-world practice working with families and different types of seats.
CPSTs must recertify every two years and keep up with the latest car seat technology and safety standards. Many CPSTs also continue to gain hands-on experience through community events, car seat clinics, or one-on-one consultations with families.
When you meet with a CPST, you’re working with someone who:
Has practiced with dozens of car seats and vehicles
Knows how to interpret both your car seat and vehicle manual
Will teach you how to install the seat yourself
That last point is key: a CPST’s goal isn’t to install the seat for you and send you on your way — it’s to make sure you feel confident installing and using it every single day.
Parents, You MUST Know How To Install Your Car Seat!
Even if you work with a CPST, you’re still the one installing, uninstalling, and buckling your child in every single day. Your child’s safety ultimately comes down to you. Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us do daily, and we can’t outsource keeping our children safe.
Parents need to know exactly how their child’s car seat works, how to install it correctly, tighten the straps, and make sure everyone is buckled safely every time.
You absolutely can do this!! With a little prep, practice, and patience, you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes second nature. Read your manuals, get hands-on, and practice until you’re confident.
And if something still feels off, that’s where a CPST can really help!
Hot Take: You May Not Need a CPST
As a CPST myself, is it a hot take to say you may not even need one? If you’ve done your research, read your car seat manual, and practiced installing your child’s seat until you feel confident — that’s amazing. You don’t necessarily need a CPST to double-check your work.
Infant car seats, especially, are designed to be pretty user-friendly. As long as you follow your car seat and vehicle manuals closely and double-check everything, you can absolutely install your own seat safely.
That said, if something doesn’t feel quite right or you just want a little extra reassurance, it’s never a bad idea to get a second opinion.
How to Find a CPST Near You
For questions about the right car seat for your car, installation help, and three across car seat recipes, we would LOVE to help through our ChatCPST online service! In just 48 hours, we can get back to you with expert advice for your specific situation.
However, if you’re looking for hands-on help with your car seat, the best option is to work directly with a local CPST. You can find one using the Safe Kids Worldwide CPST Locator.
Did you know that up to 59% of car seats are installed incorrectly (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)?
A CPST doesn’t just check if the seat looks right. They make sure it’s properly secured based on your child’s age, height, weight, and your car. They’ll also make sure you know how to make adjustments and change seatsas your child grows.
Here are some of the most common mistakes CPSTs see when parents come in for checks:
Using both LATCH and seat belt at the same time (you should only use one, unless your car seat and vehicle both specifically allow it)
Loose installs – the seat moves more than an inch side-to-side at the belt path
Incorrect recline angle for newborns
Twisted harness straps or chest clips positioned too low
Using the wrong belt path when switching from rear-facing to forward-facing
Even confident, experienced parents can miss one of these details which is why it’s so important to read your manual, practice, and get expert help when you need it.
What Makes a Good CPST (and Why Experience Matters)
Like any profession, not all CPSTs have the same level of experience. The certification course is comprehensive, but true confidence comes from hands-on practice.
If you have a unique vehicle, a tight backseat, or multiple kids in car seats, it helps to find a CPST who has experience with those specific challenges.
You can always ask:
How long have you been certified?
Do you have experience with three-across setups?
Have you worked with my vehicle make/model before?
A great CPST will welcome these questions and be honest about their experience. If they don’t know something, they’ll use their network or tools (like manufacturer guides or the LATCH manual) to help you find the answer.
When a CPST Check Is Especially Helpful
Here are a few situations where scheduling a CPST check is a great idea:
You’re a first-time parent and want reassurance that you did it right.
You’re moving to a new seat (infant to convertible, convertible to booster).
You drive multiple vehicles and need to install in each one.
You’re expecting multiples or planning a three-across setup.
You’re confused about seat belt vs. LATCH installation.
You’re traveling and need help with a rental car or airplane installation.
Even experienced parents can use a little backup sometimes and that’s exactly what CPSTs are here for. Car seat safety is always evolving, and having an expert walk you through the details can give you peace of mind that everything’s installed and adjusted just right.
As parents, we carry the responsibility of keeping our kids safe every single day. Reading your manuals, understanding your car seat, and learning to install it properly are some of the most powerful things you can do. There is so much in the world of parenting that is out of our control. Knowing how to safely transport our kids? That is something we CAN control!
If you’re unsure about your setup, have questions about which car seat fits best in your vehicle, or just want a second set of eyes, our team at ChatCPST is here to help. We’re certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can walk you through installation tips, compatibility checks, and safety best practices all online, on your schedule.