S.E.A.T. checklist and free car seat inspections help families keep children safe on the go

MT. LAUREL, N.J., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Baby Safety Alliance, formerly known as JPMA, is leading Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week, September 21–27, 2025, with a new checklist to make car seat safety easy for families. The S.E.A.T. Safety Steps stand for Select, Ensure, Adjust, and Technical Help. 

This four-part framework gives caregivers a clear path to follow at a time when car seat safety rules and product options can feel overwhelming. It breaks safety down into simple, memorable actions, and the Alliance encourages families to "check your S.E.A.T. before every ride." This year's awareness week culminates with National Seat Check Saturday on September 27 at locations nationwide.

Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for children. On average, two children under 14 are killed and 345 are injured each day in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half of all car seats are misused. 

"As a parent, grandparent, and safety advocate, I know how overwhelming it can feel to make the right choice for your child," says Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety for the Baby Safety Alliance. "That is why we created S.E.A.T., to give families a simple and memorable checklist to follow. The most powerful step we can take is making sure every child and every adult in the car is buckled up the right way."

Here's how to check your S.E.A.T. before all car trips:

S.E.A.T. Safety Checklist

S – Select the Right Car Seat
Read the labels and instructions for weight, height, and age limits. Keep your child in each stage (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, and seat belt) for as long as possible before moving to the next.

E – Ensure Proper Attachment
A correctly attached car seat should be snug and move less than one inch when pulled at the base. Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing the seat with Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) or a seat belt, and always use the tether with forward-facing seats.

A – Adjust the Harness
Straps should lie flat against your child with no slack. For rear-facing seats, harness straps should be at or below the shoulders. For forward-facing seats, harness straps should be at or above the shoulders.

T – Technical Help
Support is available! Families can look up manufacturer customer service contacts through the Car Seat Directory and connect with a certified CPS technician to ensure car seats are installed the right way. 

Always carefully follow the instructions that come with the car seat. For more information, tips, and videos on safely using car seats and other children's products, visit BabySafetyMonth.org.

About the Baby Safety Alliance
The Baby Safety Alliance, formerly known as JPMA, is the trusted voice for baby and children's product safety across North America. The Alliance advances safety through advocacy, education, product testing, and philanthropy. Its Verification Program independently tests thousands of products annually across more than 30 categories to ensure they meet the highest safety, performance, and functionality standards. The Alliance also offers free guidance for parents and caregivers through Baby Safety University and supports families through the Baby Safety Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity.

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SOURCE Baby Safety Alliance