A common misconception is that children “age out” of certain seats or automatically move to forward-facing as they get older.
HAYDEN, Idaho — Idaho is joining the nationwide observance of Child Passenger Safety Month, giving people a chance to have their child seats checked for free. Child Passenger Safety Week runs September 20–26, ending with National Seat Check Saturday on September 26, when certified child passenger safety technicians across Idaho will offer free child seat inspections.
The Idaho Transportation Department reminds families choosing the right car seat isn’t about a child’s age; it’s about their weight and height.
“A common misconception is that children “age out” of certain seats or automatically move to forward-facing as they get older. In reality, proper seat selection depends on size, not birthdays, and is the safest way to protect them when riding in vehicles,” ITD says.
Child safety seats are 69% effective at preventing serious injuries and fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But in Idaho’s 2025 crash data, only 65% of parents involved in crashes used car seats or booster seats for children ages 4–6, according to ITD.
There are a variety of free child seat check events across the Gem State:
- Sept. 22 – Panhandle Health District, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Sept. 23 – St. Maries, Heritage Health, 2–5 p.m.
- Oct. 24 – Boundary County Annex, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Sept. 26 – St. Luke’s Treasure Valley (Meridian), 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Sept. 26 – Thrive Pediatrics (Meridian), 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Sept. 26 – Blackfoot Police, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Oct. 2 – Nell Redfield Memorial Hospital (Malad City), 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Child passenger safety technicians in Idaho also offer seat checks by appointment year round. You can find a complete map of locations and technician contact information, plus other child passenger safety resources here.
————————————————
