By now we all know that car seats save lives. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, car seat use reduces the risk of death in infants by 71% and in toddlers by 54%. Car seats are so important for child safety that they are now one of the very first tools new parents need to bring their babies home; hospitals cannot allow a newborn to leave in a car without a car seat.
Car seats are expensive and complicated. With some help, every family can get a car seat (and get it installed correctly) to make sure every trip in a car is a safe one.
Getting a Car Seat
A very good place to start is at one of the PARTNERS Family Resource Centers in our area. The FRC will see if you are qualified for a free car seat and help you get the best one for your child’s needs. Start with the Grass Valley Family Resource Center. They will get you headed in the right direction.
Grass Valley PARTNERS Family Resource Center
235 South Auburn Street
Grass Valley
530-273-4059
Installation Assistance
Car seats are great, but these simple superheroes need an assist from us to be truly effective. That means making sure your car seat is properly installed. (Three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly, diminishing their ability to prevent injury or death in a car accident).
There are a number of options to help you properly install your car seat for the best protection of your baby. All require you call for an appointment.
Nevada County Child Car Seat Inspector
Nevada County Highway Patrol
11363 McCourtney Road
Grass Valley, CA
530-477-4900
First 5 Nevada County
250 Sierra College Drive
Grass Valley, CA
530-274-5361
AAA Car Seat Installation Inspector (This is for all, not just AAA members!)
Kristen Engelstad
113 Dorsey Drive
Grass Valley, CA
530-271-2620
As your child grows, continue to keep her safe in the appropriate car seat. Check with the Nevada County Car Seat Inspector at 530-477-4900 for the latest information.
For more information on resources for families, see our Children & Youth resource page.