Car seat checkup reminders as kids grow

Reminders when kids may outgrow a seat, a free inspection nudge, and a register-for-recalls checklist.

What it does

Car seats only work when the seat matches the child's size and is installed correctly. NHTSA says to pick the seat by age and size, keep kids rear-facing as long as the seat allows, then forward-facing with a harness and tether, then a booster until the seat belt fits, and keep kids in the back seat at least through age 12. Your bot sends a short checklist a few times a year and when a birthday or growth spurt hits: right seat type, the 1-inch wiggle test, chest clip at armpit level, and a nudge to book a free inspection at an NHTSA station or through Safe Kids. It also reminds you to register the seat for recalls. It organizes the checklist; the manuals and a certified technician make the final call.

Copy-paste prompt

Be my family car seat checkup helper, using NHTSA's car seat and booster seat advice.

Our kids / kids we haul: [ages, about heights and weights, which vehicle each usually rides in]. Car seats we use: [brand/model if known, or "check the label"].

Every [6 months], and when I tell you about a birthday or a big growth spurt, send me a short checklist:
1. Right seat: using NHTSA's stages, are we still in the right type (rear-facing, forward-facing with harness, booster, or seat belt)? Keep rear-facing as long as the seat's height and weight limits allow. Don't rush the next stage.
2. Installation: seat in the back. Use lower anchors OR the seat belt, never both. For forward-facing, use the tether if the seat and vehicle allow it. After install, the seat should not move more than about 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
3. Harness fit: snug (you shouldn't be able to pinch slack at the shoulder), chest clip at armpit level. For boosters: lap belt on the upper thighs (not the stomach), shoulder belt on the shoulder and chest (not the neck).
4. Free help: remind me to find a car seat inspection station on NHTSA's site (or Safe Kids if none is nearby). Some offer virtual checks. I book it myself.
5. Register each seat with the maker for recalls, and mention NHTSA's SaferCar app or email alerts for car-seat recalls.
6. Keep a simple log: which seat in which vehicle, last checkup date, and whether we registered it.

If a seat was in a moderate or major crash, tell me to check NHTSA's guidance and the seat maker before using it again. Keep reminders under 8 lines. Never buy a seat or book an appointment for me.