17 Free Car Seat Programs Near You: Get Infant Car Seat For Free

Are infant car seats too expensive? Learn How Low-Income parents can get them at No Cost.

For low-income parents, buying a baby car seat can be costly. But don’t worry. Many programs and organizations offer free car seats to those who meet the requirements. This guide will show you how to get a free infant car seat near you.

Using child safety seats correctly can significantly reduce the risk of child deaths in car accidents.

Although car seats can be expensive, there are places where you can get car seat for free if you meet the eligibility requirements.

So, let’s explore the various free car seat programs.

List of Free Car Seat Program Near Me

So, wondering about where to get a car seat for free? Let’s dive into the available programs near you.

WIC Free Car Seat Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers free car seats to eligible families.

Expectant mothers participating in WIC can get an infant car seat just before or immediately after the baby is born.

Contact your local WIC agency to learn about car seat availability and any requirements in your state.

To qualify for a free car seat through WIC:

• You must be pregnant or have a child under age 5 participating in WIC.
• You must demonstrate financial need based on income eligibility guidelines.
• Income limits vary by state but are usually around 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Foster children enrolled in WIC are also eligible.

Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Baby2Baby

Baby2Baby is a non-profit that provides children living in poverty with necessities like free baby diapers, clothing and car seats.

They partner with hospitals, social service agencies and more to distribute free baby car seats to families who could not otherwise afford them.

Check their website to find out if there is a Baby2Baby program distributing free car seats in your area.

Website: https://baby2baby.org/

Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is an organization dedicated to preventing childhood injuries.

They hold free car seat inspection events where families can receive free infant car seats if needed.

Locate a Safe Kids coalition near you to find out about upcoming inspection events and car seat giveaways.

They have over 400 coalitions across the United States.

To get a free car seat from Safe Kids Worldwide:

• Locate a Safe Kids coalition in your area using their coalition locator map.
• Check the local coalition’s website or social media for information on upcoming car seat inspection events. Often held monthly.
• Attend the inspection event where certified child passenger safety technicians will check your current car seat installation and condition.
• If you are in need of a new car seat, Safe Kids partners often provide them free of charge at these inspection events to families who demonstrate financial need.
• You will also receive hands-on education for properly installing the new seat.

Safe Kids coalitions hold hundreds of car seat inspection events every year. These events are an excellent resource for parents who want a free seat from certified child safety experts.

New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program

The New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program helps provide low-cost car seats and education to low-income families across the state.

To get a car seat through this program:

• There are around 40 distribution locations in New Mexico. Each has their own eligibility requirements, typically Medicaid, WIC, or New Mexi-Kids participation.
• If you qualify, a trained staff member will provide the right car seat for your child’s age/size and educate you on proper use.
• Parents must watch an educational video and receive resources before receiving the seat.
• The fee is typically $25 per car seat, paid in cash or money order. This goes back into the program.
• Contact the distribution site nearest you to learn more about qualifications and getting a reduced-cost seat.
• If needed, certified child passenger safety technicians can assist with properly installing your seat at Inspection Events.

This program has helped thousands of New Mexican families get access to affordable car seats with safety education. Call 800-231-6145 to find a site near you.

Everyday Miracles

Everyday Miracles is a national nonprofit dedicated to assisting expectant mothers in need by providing free maternity and baby items, including car seats.

• Since 2002, they have provided over $160 million in free baby products and support to over 400,000 mothers.
• Items are shipped free of charge to qualifying applicants.

To receive a free car seat from Everyday Miracles:

• Expectant mothers must be at least 25 weeks pregnant to apply according to their eligibility requirements listed on their website.
• Apply online at https://www.everyday-miracles.org/car-seats
• The application will request details on your due date, income, and need.
• If approved, Everyday Miracles will ship a free convertible car seat directly to your home.
• The seat will include directions for proper installation.

Everyday Miracles has awarded over 18,000 free car seats to mothers in need nationwide. Visit their site to submit an application if you are an expectant mother in a financial crisis.

South Dakota Child Safety Seat Distribution Program

The South Dakota Child Safety Seat Distribution Program provides free baby car seats to eligible families across the state.

The program’s goal is keeping children safe by:

• Providing the proper child seat based on height/weight guidelines. This ensures children are in the right seat until at least 4’9″ tall when seat belts can be used.
• Distributing seats at no cost to income-eligible families in need.

South Dakota law requires:

• Children under 5 must be in a child restraint system.
• Children 5-18 must use safety belts or appropriate restraints.

To receive a free seat from this program:

• Contact local distributors to assess your financial eligibility.
• If approved, you’ll receive the appropriate seat for your child’s age/size.
• Technicians can assist with installation and proper use when picking up the seat.

This program has given thousands of South Dakota families access to free car seats in the effort to keep all children safe and secured while riding in vehicles.

Buckle Up for Life

The Buckle Up for Life program by Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital provides grants to non-profits and hospitals to fund car seat safety programs.

Many of their partner organizations distribute free infant car seats to low income families.

Buckle Up for Life aims to teach parents and caregivers directly through community education and car seat safety checks.

According to their statistics, only 1 in 4 child car seats are installed properly in the U.S. Many injuries and deaths of children in cars are avoidable through the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.

By holding local events and demonstrations, Buckle Up for Life certified technicians can show caregivers hands-on how to correctly install car seats and restraints in their own vehicles.

Parents also learn critical safety information to keep children safe while traveling. Equipping families through education is key to ensuring child passengers are properly buckled up.

Check their website to find a partner in your area.

Call 211

Dialing 211 can connect you with local health and human services programs, which may include free car seat resources.

When you call 211, explain your needs and find out if there are any nearby options to receive an infant car seat at no cost.

When you call 211:

• Explain that you need an infant car seat but cannot afford the cost.
• The helpline can look up programs and resources in your zip code that may be able to provide a free car seat.
• 211 may also refer you to nonprofits, charities, or government agencies offering car seats at no or low cost.
• For example, according to PA 211, they refer people to local fire departments and State Health Centers distributing free baby car seats.

211 can simplify the process of finding where to get free car seats locally. Dial 211 or visit 211.org to get connected to providers in your area.

HealthLinks Car Seat Program

HealthLinks offers free infant car seats to eligible families in central Indiana through their car seat program.

To qualify for a free car seat from HealthLinks:

• You must be pregnant or the legal guardian of a child aged 1-3 years old.
• You must demonstrate low income and inability to purchase a car seat.
• You must complete their 2 hour car seat safety class.

HealthLinks holds car seat classes covering topics like:

• Proper installation of car seats.
• Choosing the right seat for your child’s age and size.
• Safely traveling with children in vehicles.

Once you complete the class, you can receive a free car seat from HealthLinks. Their trained staff will help install the seat in your vehicle and answer any questions.

HealthLinks serves families in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, and Marion counties in Indiana. Contact them to register for a class and apply for your free car seat if you live in their area.

For more details, reach out at:

115 E Tonto St.
Phoenix, AZ. 85004
Or call (602) 252-4911 x108

Pregnancy Life Centers

Pregnancy life centers, sometimes called crisis pregnancy centers, are nonprofit organizations that provide support to pregnant women and new mothers.

Many life centers have “earn while you learn” programs that allow you to earn free baby items like car seats through education.

To earn a free car seat from a life center:

• Locate pregnancy life centers in your area by searching online or calling 211.
• Contact centers directly to ask if they have an earn-while-you-learn program for expectant mothers.
• Sign up for the program and commit to attending all required prenatal classes, parenting lessons, or doctor visits.
• You can earn coupons, points, or vouchers for free baby items like strollers, diapers, clothing, and car seats by participating in the program.
• Centers often have “boutiques” set up where mothers can obtain earned free items.

Pregnancy life centers aim to support mothers while also promoting essential education. Taking part in their incentive programs can help you get your free car seat.

Local Churches

Local churches and places of worship often have assistance programs or partnerships that allow them to provide families with free car seats.

Examples include:

• City Baptist Church runs a donations program and gives away items like gently used car seats to members of their congregation and community in need. They maintain an inventory of donated items and connect families who apply for assistance.
• First Methodist partners with the local pregnancy resource center. Expectant mothers who take parenting classes at the center earn vouchers for free supplies at the church’s baby closet, including new and used car seats.

To find free car seats from churches:

• Look for larger congregations like City First Baptist or Community Christian with active youth or children’s ministries. They are more likely to be involved in community assistance.
• Religious charities like Catholic Charities USA provide assistance to families in need.
• Contact local churches directly to find out if they distribute free infant car seats or have partnerships to connect families to them.

Local CPSTs

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are people trained on proper car seat installation.

Some CPSTs acquire free car seats to distribute as a way to promote car seat safety in their communities.

Get in touch to see if any in your area offer a free baby seat.

Free Car Seat Through Insurance – Ask Your Insurance Provider

Some health insurance providers offer free car seats as part of their prenatal or well-child programs.

Contact your insurance company to ask if they have a program to earn or receive an infant seat at no cost.

Ask at the Hospital

When expecting, ask the hospital you plan to deliver at if they offer free car seats for newborns in need.

Local Hospital’s maternal health department partners with community organizations to give free car seats to low-income mothers about to be discharged with their newborns. Expectant mothers should ask their OBGYN or nurses about applying.

Ask doctors, nurses, and your hospital social worker about car seat assistance programs as early in pregnancy as possible.

Ask the Local Police or Fire Department

Many police and fire departments hold periodic car seat safety checks or giveaway events.

Contact your local stations to find out if they have an upcoming event where you can receive a free seat by attending.

For example Chambersburg Fire Department runs a Child Safety Program that Offers car seat inspection. They offer Rental car seats on a limited basis through the PennDOT Loaner Program. Call at: (717) 263-5872 or Visit the Website.

Conclusion

Getting a car seat for free is possible for low income families who know where to look.

Refer to this guide and reach out to organizations in your area that can help provide an infant car seat at no cost through one of their programs.

With some research and planning, you can make sure your baby has a safe car seat ready to go for that first ride home.

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