Car Seat Inspections

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any tips on where to get their car seats inspected in the next few weeks? I've called a bunch of places and in NOVA and no one has any appointments until late February...after our baby is due. Who knew you had to schedule this so far in advance. Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

Have you tried fire stations? When we installed our first seat, we called our local fire station (in Richmond at the time) and they told us to come right over for an inspection.

[Anonymous]

I took my carseat to be inspected at the Springfield, VA police station. You do not need to make an appointment ahead of time. They have set times for inspections. Be sure to go early as it can take a while if there are many people ahead of you.

Fairfax Co. PD/West Springfield District
6140 Rolling Rd.
Springfield, VA 22152
phone: [phone]
Mark Sgt. Kidd

[Anonymous]

You don't need an appt at children's hosp either.

[Anonymous]

Where did you call? Just take it to any police station. I honestly dont think some of those cops know if it is in accurately or not either.

[Anonymous]

The springfield station is great. They were so helpful to us

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where did you call? Just take it to any police station. I honestly dont think some of those cops know if it is in accurately or not either.

The FFX police officers that do this take a 40 hour course in order to be certified, and then they have to get periodic re-certifications. Not sure what you're basing your opinion on, but if anyone has serious concerns that an officer was failing to install a seat properly, I would recommend you speak with a supervisor at the station. The officers I know that do this take it pretty seriously, and I can't imagine an officer installing a seat that they weren't knowledgeable about.

[Anonymous]

FFX does them at set times each month, so if there is not one coming up, I would try Children's hospital. They do these during the week, and no appointment is required so long as you show up during the set hours.

[Anonymous]

Arlington County Police will do them for free, but you do need to make an appointment. Perhaps you can call (if you are a resident of ARlington) and explain your situation? Good luck!

[Anonymous]

FYI, as of Jan 16th Childrens had a voice mail message saying that they had suspended the car seat check program - not sure if it's permanent, I heard at the hospital after delivery that it may have involved someone going on a long vacation. Childrens didn't bother to note this on their website, which infuriated me ... and meant that I was installing my infant seat at 4am in the freezing cold on the day that went into early labor. So note to others -- plan early, and call in advance to ensure that they're back up and running.

[Anonymous]

Children's and the 2nd District Police Station in DC are no longer doing checks. Larry Walker at the Half St SW inspection station is great and is there MW 8-4 and Saturday 8-2. NO appointment is needed and you don't have to wait in the lines for inspection. He was great - really took his time with us and was wonderful.

[Anonymous]

I just did it this weekend at the DC DMV's inspection station. The guy really knew what he was doing, was very nice, and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes.

[Anonymous]

As the PPs noted, Children's and the 2nd district are no longer doing installations or checks. The SW inspection station on Half Street also will tell you when you call that they are no longer doing checks (this per my call 2 days ago) and they'll refer you to Terry Matthews (see below), although apparently per the PP, if you just go in, they'll do the check.

I called and made an appt. at the DC Fire and EMS Child Safety Division at 1923 Vermont Ave NW, right by U Street. Terry Matthews runs the program there, and is incredibly nice on the phone. She's booked for about a week, but was able to get me in for 2 installations the week after I called. Her number is 202-904-6887. I think if you email the car seat installation email address on the DC Gov's website -- [e-mail] -- they'll also forward your email to Terry and she'll call you back to set up an appt.

[Anonymous]

Website with a list of inspection stations in virginia:

http://www.cruisinwithkids.com/VirginiaChildandInfantCarSeatSafetyInspectionStations.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Children's and the 2nd District Police Station in DC are no longer doing checks. Larry Walker at the Half St SW inspection station is great and is there MW 8-4 and Saturday 8-2. NO appointment is needed and you don't have to wait in the lines for inspection. He was great - really took his time with us and was wonderful.

More kudos to DC's Inspection Services: My husband went to the DC place this week and said Mr. Walker was great; totally knowledgeable, very helpful.

I love hearing when DC has services that are actually well-staffed/run!