Car seat inspection? (Arlington, Reston, Fairfax: homes, live, safety)

[mpascal]

So we had our third child 11 days ago, and it's been 9 years since the last. I put the car seat in and it seems fine, but my wife is adamant that we get it checked out since so many seem to install them improperly. I called the police station here in Reston where I am but they no longer do them. Had an app't at the station in Fairfax, but they called to cancel the day of due to lack of staffing. I've searched online for the other relatively local stations in Fairfax County, but can't seem to get to anyone "live." Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can get this done? Thanks.

[mlv311]

Call this number: 703.280.0559 for your closest location. You have to make an appointment at a Fairfax County Police District Station: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/contact/

[MacUser85]

I will say I've heard this happening much more in Montgomery County, Md. I'd give the police HQ in Rockville a call and see. I know that's over the river, but it's your kid and you want to be sure of course. Also, call Children's Hospital's Fairfax Outpatient Center on Arlington Blvd....maybe they'll have an idea. Fairfax Hospital's Pediatrics department too.

[tgbwc]

It has always been my understanding that you can stop by the local fire station any time and they will check it for you.
I am surprised that the police in Reston won't check it.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

It has always been my understanding that you can stop by the local fire station any time and they will check it for you.
I am surprised that the police in Reston won't check it.

That's no longer the case for liability issues. That's what we were told during the open house. People would blame them if something didn't go well with the car seat during an accident.

[MacUser85]

Wow....what is our world coming to? Quite a shame we would waste valuable court time and resources going after firefighters who risk their lives to save us and leave their families on major holidays for our sakes!!! But yes, mlv311 makes a valid point, even if it is painful to digest.

[tgbwc]

This link is for PWC, but maybe some of the additional links will help.

Child Passenger Safety

[mpascal]

Thanks for the initial comments. I know the fire dep't here won't do it, and even the hospital where the baby was born wouldn't do it for liability issues.

I'll try the ffx county number that mlv311 listed again, although I started with them--twice. They gave me invalid phone numbers the first time, and the second time the number they gave me was the direct line to domestic homicide....so they've frustrated me. But I know it's important and will give it another try.

Thanks again.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by mpascal

I'll try the ffx county number that mlv311 listed again, although I started with them--twice. They gave me invalid phone numbers the first time, and the second time the number they gave me was the direct line to domestic homicide....so they've frustrated me. But I know it's important and will give it another try.

Thanks again.

If you call after hours, you'll get a recording, but they'll ask you to contact the nearest police district station in the link. GL! I've wondered myself where to go when our baby arrives.

[eyeball]

Originally Posted by mlv311

People would blame them if something didn't go well with the car seat during an accident.

Exactly, because police and firefighters have no extra training in how to install a car seat than any one of us does; people just want to shift responsibility to someone else. Installing a car seat is not a major mechanical operation. Just read the instructions (which are mostly in pictograms these days, so illiteracy is no excuse) and follow them. How freaking hard is that???