Finding free car seats or affordable car seat assistance programs can feel overwhelming. cars.edu.vn is here to simplify the process. We’ll guide you through various organizations and programs offering assistance, ensuring your child’s safety without straining your budget. Explore resources such as car seat grants, low-cost car seat options, and car seat safety initiatives.
1. Understanding Resources for Free Car Seats
There are numerous places to explore when looking for free or low-cost car seats. A variety of organizations work to ensure every child has access to safe transportation.
1.1 State or Local Health Departments
State and local health departments play a vital role in public health at the community level. Examples include the Texas Department of State Health Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the New York State Department of Health. These departments often offer programs that assist low-income families or those with specific needs. They are accessible via their official websites or phone numbers, which you can find through a simple online search.
These programs might require participants to complete a short safety course before receiving a car seat. Be sure to contact your local department directly for precise information on eligibility and program availability, as these can vary by location. These departments’ programs offer car seat education and child passenger safety resources to families.
A close-up of a child car seat highlighting safety features
1.2 Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations work independently from the government, focusing on specific social issues or causes. Organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide, United Way, Baby2Baby, and Buckle Up for Life provide significant support. Buckle Up for Life, for instance, has donated many car seats to low-income families and often includes mandatory safety classes. Websites like Charity Navigator can assist you to determine the legitimacy of these organizations.
Eligibility often depends on demonstrating need or falling within specific income brackets. Non-profits rely on donations and funding, so the availability of free car seats can fluctuate. These organizations provide car seat assistance and support to families.
1.3 WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Programs
WIC is a federal program providing nutrition education, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and other services to low-income women and children. You can find your local WIC agency online or through local government resources. WIC generally serves low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or have children under five. Enrolling in WIC may give you access to a car seat program, which usually requires completing a safety course. WIC offers free car seats, nutrition assistance, and support to eligible families.
1.4 Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including some adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. You can apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace or your state’s Medicaid website. Medicaid recipients might also be eligible for a free car seat, with a safety course often required. Medicaid provides health coverage and potentially car seat assistance to low-income families.
1.5 Insurance Companies
Insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, and Geico can sometimes offer car seats to policyholders as part of their benefits. Many insurance companies provide car seats free of charge to insured new mothers or pregnant women. Contact your insurance provider or explore online comparison tools to learn more. The availability of free car seats is policy-specific, so carefully reviewing your policy or speaking with an agent is essential. Insurance companies offer car seat benefits and safety education to policyholders.
1.6 State Car Seat Inspection Stations
These stations, including firehouses and sheriff departments, offer certified technicians who can inspect car seat installations for safety. Use the NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator or search your local city or county resources to find a station near you.
These stations provide safety services to the general public and occasionally offer free car seats to families in need. Calling in advance is advisable, as not all stations offer free car seats. They often have programs for the free installation of car seats and can help you find new car seats for free as they are familiar with various charities. Inspection stations provide car seat installation help and safety checks.
1.7 Local Churches
Local churches often have community outreach programs that may be able to connect you with charities or institutes that provide resources to low-income families. Search online or use a directory to find local churches and reach out directly to inquire about available resources. Availability can vary widely. Churches may offer assistance and connections to resources for families.
1.8 Pregnancy Life Centers
Pregnancy Life Centers are often non-profit organizations that offer resources, support, and education for women during pregnancy and early parenthood. They can provide essential aid such as maternity items, baby supplies, and even free car seats. Search online, specifying your local area, to locate one. Some well-known national networks include Care Net and Heartbeat International, but there are many independent local centers as well.
These centers primarily serve women who are pregnant or recently became mothers, aiming to support them through their pregnancy journey and beyond. Most Pregnancy Life Centers offer their resources as part of a wider program, often involving parenting or childbirth classes. Expectant mothers enrolled in these classes may be eligible to receive items like car seats free of charge. The specifics of what’s provided and the requirements for receiving these items can vary by center, so it’s best to contact them directly for detailed information.
Keep in mind that these centers are often funded through donations and community support, so the availability of specific items may fluctuate. They strive to provide as much assistance as they can to support mothers and their children. Pregnancy centers offer support and resources, including potential access to free car seats.
1.9 Hospitals and Health Care Systems
Hospitals and healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital may provide car seats to pregnant women, new parents, or families with young children who are patients within their system. Check with your local hospital or healthcare system for information on available programs.
Hospitals may provide car seats without any cost or direct you toward great local resources. Contact the institution directly, as not all offer this service. Hospitals and healthcare systems offer potential access to car seats for patients.
2. Finding Free Car Seats by State
Navigating the maze of resources can be simplified by focusing on state-specific programs. Below is a comprehensive, state-by-state directory to help you find free or low-cost car seats in your area.
2.1 Alabama Free Car Seats
Alabama Department of Public Health (Statewide): May offer car seat assistance to expectant mothers or parents who are receiving federal benefits like WIC, AllKids, Food Stamps, or Medicaid. The Injury Prevention Branch in Montgomery hosts monthly car seat clinics, which are occasionally booked two months in advance and are by appointment only. The car seat program is active in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville.
Alabama Farmers Federation (Statewide): Members can avail of low-cost car seats for children and can acquire certain car seats and booster seats by picking up an order form at their nearby Alfa office. Available seats prices, which include shipping and handling, are: $40 for Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Seat, $40 for Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster, $30 for Cosco Pronto Belt-Positioning Booster.
Children’s of Alabama, (Birmingham): Children’s of Alabama provides a free car seat program for patients who don’t have a car seat at the time of their discharge. Before receiving the seat, families must watch a short educational video about its correct usage.
Baby’s Bounty (Montgomery): Baby’s Bounty serves the Montgomery area, providing essential items for newborns, including car seats, for families in need.
2.2 Alaska Free Car Seats
Safe Alaskans (Anchorage): Provides car seats for families in need, with a suggested $10 donation for booster seats and $35 for car seats.
Community Pregnancy Center (Anchorage): Offers Life Lessons classes, where participants can earn Baby Bucks to spend in the Mini Depot on car seats or other essential items.
Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults (Wasilla): Offers car seats for all families at a reduced cost based on a sliding scale.
Alaska Injury Prevention Center (Anchorage): Has a limited number of car seats and booster seats available for a small donation.
Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition (Statewide): Lists several events on their calendar where Free Car Seats and booster seats are available.
Fairbanks Safe Rider Program (Fairbanks): May have car seats or booster seats available for families, contact them to find out more.
Juneau Police (Juneau): Offers inspections by appointment and will provide a replacement seat for a minimum fee if necessary.
Alaska DOT (Statewide): Maintains a page with potential resources you can contact for free car seat information.
2.3 Arizona Free Car Seats
Children Are Priceless Passengers (Statewide): Operates in nine locations across the state. A $35 fee is required for a safety class. Those lacking a safe and effective car seat can receive a new one for free.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Phoenix): Offers car seat distribution.
Yavapai Regional Medical Center (Prescott): Provides free or discounted car seats in conjunction with a safety class. For more information, call (928) 771-5651 or visit their website.
Deer Valley Unified School District Child Car Seat Safety Program (Phoenix): Offers limited Free Car Seats alongside an education class.
Tuscon Medical Center Car Seat Loaner Program (Tucson): Allows you to pay $40 and get a car seat for one month. They also have car seat giveaway events sponsored by Safe Kids Pima County.
HealthLinks Car Seat Program (Phoenix): Offers a free car seat to those who meet the qualifications and take a two-hour class.
2.4 Arkansas Free Car Seats
Farm Bureau Federation (Statewide): Membership entitles you to advantages like the Infant Car Seat Program when you have auto, home, life, farm, or other insurance with Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas. A car safety seat costs as little as $15 when you participate in this program. The price of this order includes shipping and handling.
Rogers Police Department Car Seat Loan Program (Rogers): The Rogers Police Department runs a car seat loan program for families experiencing financial hardship. They can loan one car seat per family. Car seats are distributed every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm. The department also offers a car seat installation service.
2.5 California Free Car Seats
California Office of Traffic Safety (Statewide): This organization has a county-based directory that provides resource information for car seat education and distribution.
Police Departments & California Highway Patrol Offices (Statewide): Most locations offer a free exchange for an expired car seat.
OC Health (Orange County): This resource provides a list of area organizations that offer car seat education and free/low-cost car seats.
First 5 LA (Los Angeles County): The New Economics for Women’s Child Passenger Safety Program offers a free car seat if you complete their safety class and qualify.
Clinic in the Park’s Boosters in a Bag (Orange County): After completing an online course, you can receive a booster seat for free.
Pacific Safety Center (San Diego County): This organization offers Free Car Seats to low/median income families, as well as Native American and military families.
Solano County Public Health (Solano County): Vibe Solano offers car seat safety classes and low-income families can receive vouchers toward the purchase of a low-cost car seat.
Safe Kids Sacramento (Sacramento County): Low-income families may qualify for a low or no-cost car seat upon completion of an online class.
River to Coast Children’s Centers (Sonoma County): This organization offers a low-cost car seat program and safety education for low-income families.
City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County): The city provides Free Car Seats for low-income families, but an appointment is needed.
CHOC Child Safety Seat Distribution Program (Orange County): For CHOC patients, a seat is available for $30 after completion of a safety class.
Camarena Health (Madera County): This organization offers classes on car seat safety, and if you can prove and show what you learned, you get a free car seat.
Family Health Centers of San Diego (San Diego County): Patients enrolled in the Prenatal program may be eligible for a free car seat.
Venice Family Clinic (Los Angeles County): The clinic offers monthly car seat safety classes including Free Car Seats for low-income families in several locations.
St. Mary’s Medical Center (Los Angeles County): The Welcome Baby program has referrals to free or low-cost baby essentials, including car seats.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (Los Angeles County): This hospital offers car seat safety classes twice monthly and a free car seat for families receiving public assistance.
St Francis Medical Center (Los Angeles County): The center offers a free car seat to eligible families upon completion of a class.
East Valley Community Health Center (Los Angeles County): This organization offers a free virtual car seat safety class with a free car seat for families that qualify and complete the class.
Whittier Hospital (Los Angeles County): The hospital provides a complimentary rear-facing car seat and diaper bag for moms delivering at the hospital.
Butte County Public Health (Butte County): The county provides a free car seat class with low-cost car seats for qualifying low-income families.
San Diego County Public Health (San Diego County): The Keep Em Safe program provides Free Car Seats for low-income, active military, or refugee women who are at least 8 months pregnant and families with children up to the age of 9.
Shasta County Health and Human Services (Shasta County): This organization offers a free car seat for pregnant moms that attend 3 classes and meet other qualifications.
Plumas County Public Health Agency (Plumas County): The agency offers a free car seat to eligible families upon education and installation by a certified car seat technician.
Colusa County Family Action Centers (Colusa County): The center has classes for $20 and families may qualify for a free car seat.
Merced County Public Health (Merced County): The county charges $25 for a car seat class.
2.6 Colorado Free Car Seats
Safe Kids Larimer County (Larimer County): Safe Kids Larimer County provides a car seat resource program. Though not explicitly free, they do request a $30 donation for each car seat distributed.
Morgan County Public Health (Morgan County): Morgan County offers car seat vouchers worth $50 for low-income families. These can be redeemed at the local Walmart. If the car seat costs more than $50, the family will need to pay the balance. Contact them directly for more details on the car seat voucher program.
Custer County Program (Custer County): For Custer County, you can contact Terra Raye who may provide car seat resources. The selection criteria are not well-defined, but it’s suspected that she prioritizes county residents who qualify.
Montezuma County Car Seat Program: Located in Montezuma County, this program is committed to child safety in vehicles. Certified car seat technicians are on-hand to ensure that children are correctly fitted to age- and weight-appropriate car seats. Parents are also taught how to use and install the car seats properly. Last year, this program supplied over 200 car seats to families at a reduced cost.
2.7 Connecticut Free Car Seats
St. Gianna Pregnancy Resource Center: This center provides a range of maternity and baby items to those in need.
Hope Pregnancy Center: Hope Pregnancy Center offers the “Earn While You Learn” program, providing educational and material assistance to expecting parents. This continues after the baby is born, offering vital support for growing families.
Southington Police Department: For those in need of a child passenger seat, Southington Police Department offers consideration for this essential item. Please contact their community relations division by sending an email to [email protected] with a brief narrative explaining your child passenger seat request.
Carolyn’s Place Pregnancy Care Center: This center offers “Earn While You Learn Classes” for first-time parents. These consist of childbirth and parenting classes, and upon completion of the course, clients may be eligible to receive items needed for baby’s care, which may include a crib, car seat, clothing, diapers, etc.
2.8 Delaware Free Car Seats
Delaware Opportunities Inc. (Statewide): Income-qualified families living in Delaware are eligible for a free car seat and instruction on appropriate installation through Delaware Opportunities Inc.’s car seat safety program.
Delaware Division of Public Health (Statewide): The Delaware Division of Public Health collaborates with local organizations to set up car seat inspection stations around the state. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians perform the inspections and provide Free Car Seats. Dates for these events are posted on the calendar.
2.9 Florida Free Car Seats
Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office (Statewide): This office sponsors the purchase and distribution of car seats to trained/qualified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) instructors and technicians.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg): This hospital offers low-cost car seats for families in need.
Florida Farm Bureau (Statewide, Members Only): Florida Farm Bureau provides up to three (3) car seats for $25 and booster seats for $15 via forms on their website under Member Benefits.
Tampa Police Department (Tampa): The Tampa Police Department employs Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who can provide and/or install child safety seats for residents in need.
Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. (Palm Beach County): Their Childsaver Car Seat Program provides child safety seats at a reduced cost to those in need in Palm Beach County.
Florida Health Pinellas (Pinellas County): Offers workshops on proper safety seat usage. Additionally, those who meet certain financial requirements can obtain low-cost safety seats.
Mothers Helping Mothers (Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding counties): This non-profit organization provides basic necessities such as clothing and baby items (including cribs, car seats, strollers, formula, breast pumps, and more) to families in need.
St. Johns County Tax Collector – Project Buckle Up: This Florida-based program provides Free Car Seats to families in need. It also offers education on the correct installation and usage of car seats.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital Car Safety Program: This Jacksonville, Florida-based program offers a low-cost car seat workshop. Participants can receive a car seat at a reduced cost while also gaining knowledge on car seat safety and correct installation.
2.10 Georgia Free Car Seats
Child Occupant Safety Project (Statewide): Offers child safety seats and information on correct installation and use through the Mini Grant Program. This program collaborates with local community partners to deliver best practice education and services.
South Health District Car Seat Program (Valdosta, Lowndes County): Provides a child safety seat to low-income families in need.
District 4 Public Health (Troup County and eight other counties): Offers complimentary booster seats and safety training to financially eligible families through a Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant.
Safe Kids Cherokee County (Cherokee County): Provides up to ten car seats and education to financially qualified Cherokee County families through the mini-grant.
Safe Kids North Fulton (North Fulton County): Offers qualifying families a child seat education as well as a free child seat through the Safe Kids North Fulton Child Passenger Safety Mini Grant.
Northeast Georgia Health System (Northeast Georgia): Offers Car Seat Safety Class with Car Seat Distribution. In exchange for attending the lesson, you will receive a discounted car seat.
Women’s Enrichment Center of Dalton (Calhoun, Gordon County): Will be giving a Car Seat Education Class. Each child will receive a free car seat.
Bartow County Fire & Emergency Services (Bartow County): Provides car seat checks and installations and assists low-income Bartow County families in obtaining car seats.
Safe Kids Program at Children’s Hospital of Georgia: Safe Kids, hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, provides a range of services to promote child safety, including a program for car seat safety. Contact the hospital for more information on potential assistance with car seats.
Safe Kids Cobb County: This coalition hosted by Cobb & Douglas Public Health, works on injury prevention among children, including car seat safety. Please contact them directly for more information about potential car seat assistance.
2.11 Hawaii Free Car Seats
Statewide: Hawaii State offers a tax credit of $25 per year for the purchase of a booster or child safety seat.
Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children (Oahu): In previous years, Farmers Insurance Hawaii has partnered with the Child Passenger Safety Program at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children to offer Free Car Seats and education to families in financial need.
Aloha Pregnancy Center (Oahu): The center’s Baby & Me Boutique is stocked with big-ticket baby items, including car seats and high chairs, and is open to families in need.
Keiki Closet (Oahu): This organization partners with LIV, a pregnancy and women’s center, to help provide baby essentials to moms in need. You can call them and request a car seat specifically and they can either provide one or direct you to other resources.
Malama Pregnancy Center of Maui (Maui): This center provides material assistance to clients. While it’s not explicitly stated that they have Free Car Seats, this could be a great resource for finding a free car seat on the island of Maui.
2.12 Idaho Free Car Seats
St. Luke’s Children’s and Kohl’s – Right Seat 4 Kids 4 Care (Statewide): Offers Free Car Seats to families in need. Contact St. Luke’s Children’s Car Seat Program at (208) 381-3033.
Kootenai Health (Kootenai County): Provides car seat education, installation, and limited free seats available for those who qualify on a donation basis.
Safe Kids USA (Statewide): You can contact the following districts for free or discounted car seats:
- DISTRICT 1: Kootenai Health, (208) 666-2030
- DISTRICT 2: Moscow Police Department, (208) 883-7054 (ask for Kirstin); Success by 6 of the Palouse, (208) 882-7387; St Joseph Regional Medical Center-Family Beginnings, (208) 799-5430 (ask for Linda Rosetti)
- DISTRICT 4: Safe Kids Treasure Valley, (208) 381-3033; Meridian Fire Department, (208) 884-0597
- DISTRICT 5: Safe Kids of Magic Valley, (208) 814-7640 (Also has low-cost car seats and booster seats)
- DISTRICT 6: Southeast District Health, (208) 478-6315
- DISTRICT 7: Madison Memorial Hospital, (208) 359-6710
Medical Home Portal – Idaho Car Seat Safety: The portal provides a directory of Idaho resources for car seat safety, including various organizations that offer car seat inspection, assistance, and education. Check the link below for detailed contact information for each organization.
2.13 Illinois Free Car Seats
DuPage County Health Department’s Child Car Seat Program (DuPage County): In collaboration with the Carelink Foundation, provides Free Car Seats to low-income families. Parents must complete safety training provided in both English and Spanish.
Buckle Up Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Program (Chicago, Cook County): Provides car seat information, installation assistance, and reduced-cost car seats to at-risk families through monthly car seat seminars, car seat inspection stations, and a network of over 15 community partners.
CountyCare (Cook County): Provides Free Car Seats to expectant parents.
Fair Hope (Vermilion County): Supplies car seats to families that DO NOT OWN A VEHICLE. The car seats are designed for children weighing 5 to 40 pounds.
Safe Kids Coalition (Statewide): Hosts safe car seat events to provide instruction on safe use and inspect car seat installation. Many also provide free or low-cost car seats and other safety products.
OSF Children’s Hospital (Peoria, Peoria County): Offers a low-cost car seat program that provides families in need with low-cost car seats.
Auxiliary Stroger Hospital: Through their community outreach programs, the Auxiliary Stroger Hospital offers assistance to families in need. Their efforts include providing necessary items like car seats to those in need.
Grant A Wish Inc. Chicago: This organization runs a Baby Program which aims to provide a range of essentials to parents who are unable to afford them. Car seats are among the items provided. Visit their website for more information and eligibility criteria.
2.14 Indiana Free Car Seats
Community Health Network (Marion County): This Indianapolis-based organization provides Free Car Seats to parents who need them.
Gear-Up for Safety Program (Statewide): Families receive the essential safety equipment they need to make their homes child-safe, including car seats.
Project L.O.V.E. (Statewide): A program for law enforcement that educates families on the correct use and installation of child safety seats. Only parents or caregivers who are Indiana citizens and meet low income financial qualifying requirements are eligible to receive free child safety seats.
Franciscan Health Car Seat Safety Clinics (Tippecanoe County): Installed more than 100 Free Car Seats for families in need. Reservations are necessary and eligibility restrictions must be met in order to receive a free car seat.
Indiana University School of Medicine (Marion County): In partnership with a San Francisco-based auto insurance firm, Go Insurance, they have a project that provides Free Car Seats as a part of its recently introduced nationwide kid passenger safety initiative.
Spencer County Car Seat Program: This Indiana-based program offers car seat inspections and provides car seats for families who meet the income eligibility criteria. Visit their website for more information and how to participate.
2.15 Iowa Free Car Seats
Unitypoint Health – Des Moines, Statewide: Offers Child Passenger Safety Technicians that may assist in instructing caregivers on how to properly utilize car seats. Families in need may be able to receive Free Car Seats through this program, but it does not give out baby carriers. Convertible, combination, and booster seats are provided under this program. A newborn weighing as little as 5 pounds can fit in the convertible seat.
Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA, Johnson County: Periodic Car Seat Events are held to check that car seats are securely fastened and to give away free seats to kids in need who don’t have them or whose seats are damaged or have expired. The generous donations from HOPE for Johnson County and the Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA board monies enable the provision of free seats.
Jones County Public Health, Jones County: Car seats and booster seats are available for families who might require one to transport their children safely. A single family may use this program.
Stork’s Nest in Polk County, Iowa: An incentive-based program providing necessary baby items like diapers, strollers, cribs, and car seats to new and expecting mothers with low income. Participants earn points through healthy behaviors and can also avail parenting and prenatal classes.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Safety Store: Provides car seats and other safety products to families at a discount. The store is designed to teach caregivers about injury prevention, and each purchase includes education on the proper use of the product.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa: Provides Free Car Seats to families in need as a part of their “Kids on the Go!” program.
2.16 Kansas Free Car Seats
Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, Statewide: Will distribute program seats to eligible families that can show visual proof any of the following (we do not need copies):
- eWIC card
- KanCare Health Plans
- Vision Card
- Kansas Farm Worker Health Program
This program will provide a car seat to pregnant women 30 days before their due date, anything sooner is at the technician’s discretion. It will also provide another car seat to the same child if the child has outgrown the initial car seat issued, and the family can provide proof they are still eligible, or if the family has been in a car crash and can provide a police report.
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and North Kansas City Fire Department, North Kansas City: MARC has received a federal grant to provide car seats to low income families and has partnered with the North Kansas City Fire Department. This program has income restrictions and to find out if you qualify for a car seat through the MARC and the Head Start program.
Swope Health (Kansas City): Celebrates moms and healthy babies with their event that includes a free car seat giveaway.
Baby Talk ICT (Wichita): Offers various classes, including car seat safety. Families in need may qualify for a free car seat.
Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Kansas City): This organization provides a program for car seat safety, potentially offering car seats for families in need.
2.17 Kentucky Free Car Seats
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Statewide: They provide child safety seat and booster seat inspections, and sometimes even Free Car Seats, to families in need. They aim to ensure all children have access to safe, reliable child safety seats.
Hardin County Health Department, Hardin County: This health department has a car seat program where they provide a car seat to families in need. They require you to watch an educational video and have the seat installed by a certified technician at their facility.
Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, Louisville: Offers child safety seat checkups where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians teach parents and caregivers how to install their car seats correctly. They also provide Free Car Seats to individuals who are in need and meet certain criteria.
Jessamine County Health Department, Jessamine County: The Health Department’s HANDS program provides education, resources, and even Free Car Seats to parents in need. Parents must participate in the HANDS program and complete a car seat safety class.
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Lexington-Fayette County: They provide car seats to eligible families and also conduct car seat inspections. They want to ensure that every child travels safely. If you want to learn more about their initiative, you can do so on their website.
2.18 Louisiana Free Car Seats
Councilman Free Car Seat Program, Baton Rouge: A local councilman provides Free Car Seats to qualifying parents who receive WIC and/or SNAP assistance. Interested parents must preregister for the giveaway.
University Medical Center New Orleans, Statewide: Families in need throughout Louisiana can sign up for Free Car Seats at this hospital’s injury prevention program. You can sign up for a free car seat on their website.
2.19 Maine Free Car Seats
Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, Statewide: This bureau offers Free Car Seats to qualifying families in Maine. Parents or guardians should contact them directly to see if their child qualifies.
KVCAP Child & Family Services Department, Statewide: This department operates two distribution stations for the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety’s car seat program, which provides car seats to low-income families.
Maine Families Washington County, Washington County: They provide free convertible and booster car seats for income-eligible families through a program sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. Certain conditions apply.
Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation, Kennebec County: This corporation collaborates with the Bureau of Highway Safety to provide car seat education and distribution. Eligible families can schedule an appointment with their certified car seat technician to receive a car seat.
2.20 Maryland Free Car Seats
Safe Kids Frederick County, Frederick County: Safe Kids Frederick County, a program of the Frederick County Health Department, offers Free Car Seats to residents. They aim to prevent unintentional injuries to children under the age of 19 in Frederick County.
Maryland Department of Health’s Kids In Safety Seats, Statewide: This program offers car and booster seats at a low cost to families who cannot afford to buy them. They also have short-term special needs loaner programs for children with certain medical issues. Seat availability varies by location.
Holy Cross Health (Silver Spring, MD): Offers a Car Seat Rental Program for newborns and children.
2.21 Massachusetts Free Car Seats
Massachusetts Car Seat Distribution Program, Statewide: This initiative provides car seats to qualifying entities for distribution to needy families. They aim to prevent child passenger injuries and fatalities.
Boston Children’s Primary Care, Boston: This health care provider offers car seats and booster seats to low-income families that come for care.
Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Worcester: They host child passenger safety car seat check-up events twice a month. Families are taught how to properly install and utilize booster seats and car seats. Families in need are given access to car seats and booster seats.
UMass Amherst Police Department, Amherst: The Police Department was awarded a grant to help parents who need car seats. CPS trained installers can check to see if it has any recalls and is installed correctly. If you or someone you know requires a seat, contact Officer Brian Kellogg.
Boston Public Health Commission’s Childhood Injury Prevention Program, Boston: This program provides a valuable resource for Boston’s low-income families who require a child safety seat. Recipients should meet MassHealth eligibility requirements or be below the poverty line in Massachusetts.
Boston Medical Center (Boston): They offer a car seat program for patients.
2.22 Michigan Free Car Seats
Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, Statewide: This office supports neighborhood car seat distribution initiatives by providing car seats at regional seat check events and fitting stations for low-income families.
Family Futures, Kent County: Parents residing in Kent County who are enrolled in Medicaid are eligible. However, people with a specific level of income may still be eligible.
Kids Always Ride Safe (KARS), Houghton and Keweenaw Counties: KARS is a program for car seat education and a cheap car seat alternative made to last your kids through the years in the car seat/booster seat. This program is available to families living in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, including WIC families.
Maternal Infant Health Program, Statewide: Families who receive Medicaid are eligible to receive Free Car Seats from this program, while discounted car seats are provided for families with economic hardships.
Trinity Health Michigan (Michigan): They provide a child injury prevention program which includes car seat safety. Learn more about their program and how to avail of these services from their website.
2.23 Minnesota Free Car Seats
Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide: This program in Minnesota offers Free Car Seats to families in need. The program is funded by a number of sources.
The Baby Blanket (Michigan): They offer a Crib & Car Seat Program to support families in need. They provide car seats among other necessities for your baby. Learn more and apply for assistance on their website.
Sherburne County Public Health, Sherburne County: Car seats are available to Sherburne County residents who meet income requirements. Sherburne County children on WIC, Medical aid, or the Medica PMAP program are automatically qualified.
Every Day Miracles, Statewide: This organization donates car seats to families with Medical Assistance health coverage. Visit their website to reserve a spot.
Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County: The Sheriff’s Office provides car seats to uninsured and low-income families when they are available.
Renville County Public Health, Renville County: They offer a free car seat class to all residents of Renville County. Members of PrimeWest, Blue Plus, and other groups that may be eligible can access car seats.
Norman-Mahnomen Public Health Department, Norman-Mahnomen Counties: This department offers Free Car Seats to MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance participants who qualify. They also provide guidance on selecting the best kid safety restraint and details on how to use it properly.
Vadnais Heights City (Statewide): Their Car Seat Program offers car seat safety checks and provides car seats to families in need. Visit the city’s website for more information.
Mille Lacs County Community Health (Minnesota): This community health center offers car seat safety checks and assistance in obtaining car seats.
Carver County Public Health (Minnesota): Carver County provides a Child Passenger Safety Program that offers services to help ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly. It also offers low-cost car seats to eligible families who are unable to afford one.
2.24 Mississippi Free Car Seats
Mississippi State Department of Health, Statewide: The state department of health offers free infant or convertible child safety seats to all eligible Mississippi children. To find out if you qualify, use their assessment form found.
Farm Bureau Mississippi, Statewide: Farm Bureau Mississippi provides members with the chance to order car seats and booster seats at a reduced cost through the Child Saver
