for babies and children, having a car seat is actually a legal requirement.
but not everyone can afford one.
Reading: How to get a free car seat for review
If you’re struggling financially, you may be wondering if you can get a free car seat.
luckily, there are plenty of ways to get free baby stuff, including a car seat.
of course, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify.
So, let’s take a look at all the places you can get an infant or toddler car seat for free.
let’s start with where not to get a free car seat
car seats are designed to keep your child safe while in the car. That’s why it’s so important to get a car seat from a reputable organization and to know the history of the car seat, whether it really is a used or donated car seat.
It can be tempting to buy a used car seat on a platform like ebay, but you don’t know the history of the seat you’re buying.
the seat may have degraded and may not be safe to use, or the seat may have been involved in an accident.
Therefore, we do not recommend that you purchase a car seat on a platform like craigslist or ebay, or from places like yard sales, thrift stores, and thrift stores.
where to get a free car seat
Here are some places where you can get a free toddler car seat and free car seats for infants and children of any age.
As we mentioned above, each location has different eligibility requirements.
For example, organizations that give out free baby items to low-income families obviously require an annual income below a certain threshold.
so be sure to check each venue’s requirements to see which one is right for you.
1. baby2baby
- official website: http://baby2baby.org/national-network/
- official website: https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/featured-programs/2-1-1
- official website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/about-wic-wic-glance
- official website: https://www.everyday-miracles.org/carseat-education/
- official website: https://www.safekids.org/safe-kids-coalitions-united-states
- official website: https://www.safernm.org/new-mexico-child-safety-seat-distribution-program.aspx
- Google search: Use search terms like “free car seat programs near me” or “where can I get a free infant car seat near me”.
- look for him on facebook – check out local facebook groups especially. these places are a gold mine of information for finding gifts and saving money.
- Ask Other Parents: Ask other people who have children and are or have been in a similar situation where they got their car seats.
- official website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/saferiders/distribution.shtm
- official website: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/child-passenger-safety/pages/car-seat-distribution-facilities.aspx
- official website: https://www.maine.gov/dps/bhs/child-passenger-safety/general/distribution-locations.html
- official website: https://www.uchd.net/car-seats
- official website: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/child-passenger-safety/low-income-safety-seat-program/
- good news garage (see “child safety seat mounting station” section at bottom of page).
- Use the Right Car Seat: By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- safe children around the world
- dmv
Wondering where to get free child seats for low-income families?
well, check out baby2baby.
This organization makes donations through a network of organizations in a wide variety of states.
Through its partner organizations, low-income families can receive a wide range of items for children ages 0-10, including diapers and clothing. you may be able to get a free car seat from one of the organizations they’re associated with, like small essentials for example.
2. united path around the world
2-1-1, a program of the non-profit organization united way worldwide, connects people with the resources they need locally.
you can use the free and confidential 2-1-1 service to get help finding a free car seat in your area.
3. wic
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a government organization that helps mothers living on low income.
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people who can get wic assistance are pregnant or breastfeeding women, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5.
wic’s primary goal is to provide nutritional assistance. so it’s a good place to get free formula.
but, if you successfully enroll in the wic program, then you can also get a free car seat through the program.
4. everyday miracles
everyday miracles is an organization that aims to improve birth rates and reduce health disparities in communities.
has a car seat program that allows anyone with a qualified state health plan to get a free car seat. So if you have a state-funded plan through Ucare, Health Partners, or Blue Health Plus, then you may be eligible to get a free car seat for your infant or child.
Their services are also available at no cost to those with a Medicaid health care plan. so if you’re wondering how to get a free car seat through medicaid, check out everyday miracles.
You can request a free seat, and if you’re approved, one of the organization’s car seat technicians will provide you with information on how to install and use it safely. you can receive the car seat for free at home or at the hospital.
5. safe kids around the world
safe kids worldwide is an organization dedicated to child safety.
has coalitions in the united states, which organize car seat review events. just contact your local safe kids coalition to attend one of these events.
Some coalitions offer free child safety seats to families in need. sometimes there is a fee for the seat, which is calculated based on individual coalition guidelines.
6. child safety seat distribution program in new mexico
The New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program is a program that provides free playground equipment to those who need it.
If you live below the poverty line in New Mexico, you may be able to qualify for a free car seat.
7. local churches
If you’re having trouble paying for a car seat, consider contacting your local church. they will be happy to help you find an organization or charity that provides free car seats.
Some religious charities, such as US Catholic Charities. uu., They also help families in need.
8. ask your insurance provider
Some health insurance companies will give free car seats to new parents who are insured. just contact your insurance provider to ask.
9. ask at the hospital or doctor’s office
The hospital or doctor’s office are other good places to ask about getting a free car seat.
they will be able to provide you with excellent resources.
10. ask your local police or fire department
Another place to ask if you’re looking for local organizations and charities that offer free car games is at your local police station or fire department.
Police and fire will install car seats for free, so they may also be able to help you find a free car seat locally.
11. get a free car seat near you
that’s the thing…
There are so many other small local organizations and charities that help families with all sorts of things that it would be hard to list them all. but you can easily find places and sites that give away free stuff like car seats near you.
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here’s how to find them:
I’m willing to bet there are plenty of small churches, nonprofits, and even local government programs where you can get free car seats for kids or even adults (with certain health conditions).
get a free car seat from government organizations
Free car seats are provided by the Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Department of Public Safety, and other government organizations.
Therefore, it’s definitely worth contacting your local department of health, social services, or public safety.
we have listed some government departments in a few different states that offer free car seats.
12. texas health and human services
Texas Health and Human Services provides child safety seat distribution and education program to low-income families.
13. minnesota child passenger safety program
The minnesota child passenger safety program offers free car seat distribution facilities. just use the map on the website to find the nearest car seat distribution center.
14. Maine Bureau of Highway Safety – Department of Public Safety
The Office of Driver Safety has partner locations in Maine where income-eligible families can make an appointment with a certified car seat technician and get a free car seat. you can find your nearest distribution location by visiting the page we linked to above.
15. union county health department
The union county health department has a car seat distribution program. is a state program that provides free car seats to qualifying low-income families.
16. virginia department of health
The Virginia Department of Health offers free child safety seats and booster seats for income-eligible children. Parents, legal guardians, and adoptive parents of children living in Virginia may apply.
how to install a car seat
okay, now you know where you can get a free car seat.
however, once you have the free car seat, you’ll need to install it. unfortunately, car seats are often installed incorrectly.
in fact, 95% of car seats are installed incorrectly, which can jeopardize the safety of children.
Luckily, free car seat reviews are offered; some of the places we mentioned above offer them.
here are some great resources for getting free car seat checks:
and there are also some great videos and articles online that can help you get started.
here are some examples:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has an excellent article on car seats and how to install them.
and if you scroll to the bottom of the page, you can enter your location and find a car seat inspection center near you.
At your local station, a certified technician will inspect your car seat, free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to properly install and use it.
final thoughts
if you’ve been wondering where to get a free car seat, try one of the options above.
and if you know of any other way or place (a church, government programs, nonprofits, programs for low-income families) where parents can get a car seat for free, please leave a comment below and let us know.
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