Behind the Scenes at a CPST Course
A blog by our very own CPST, Customer Support Manager, and Sales Specialist Katie M. Smith
As parents, we invest in the best for our children—organic meals, designer diaper bags, top-tier strollers. But when it comes to car seat safety, the real luxury isn’t just about aesthetics and it isn’t even just about quality the way we normally consider the word —it’s about peace of mind.
That’s why I recently completed my Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training, ensuring that I can help families like yours navigate car seat safety with confidence.
What is a CPST and Why Does It Matter?
A CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician) is a nationally certified expert in car seat installation, fit, and usage. This training goes beyond just reading manuals or skimming safety materials —it’s an in-depth, hands-on education in the latest safety standards, best practices, and real-world solutions for keeping your little one secure on the road.
The Reality of It - Car Seat Installation Often Means Mistakes
Even the most well-intentioned parents make mistakes when it comes to car seats.
We don’t like to get into the fear-mongering of it all, but it’s important to understand how prevalent mistakes are, and the implications of them. We’re all trying to do what’s right, so knowing that it’s so easy to misuse a car seat should help us realize that - if there are experts out there who can help us, why not reach out?
The numbers speak for themselves:
1) 46% of car seats are installed or used incorrectly (source -NHTSA).
2) Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children under 13, but proper car seat use can reduce the risk of injury by 71-82%.
3) Nearly 60% of forward-facing car seats are misused, showing that there is no age limit to how confusing it is to install car seats for our kids, and what we learned in rear-facing or with a prior child does not always prepare us to correctly do it the next time.
These statistics are just some to indicate why having people in your community with CPST training is so critical. It’s not just about getting a seat that looks secure and has good reviews —it’s about knowing, without a doubt, that in the install and beyond, you have done all you can to ensure your child is riding as safely as possible.
Common Mistakes Even the Most Prepared Parents Make - Getting into the Nitty Gritty of it
You can have the highest-rated car seat on the market, but if it’s not installed correctly or doesn’t fit your child properly, it won’t protect them as intended. That’s why one of the phrases we live by as CPSTs is that the right car seat for you, your family, and your child is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and that you can install correctly, every time.
Some of the most common installation mistakes CPSTs often see include:
- Harness too loose – A snug fit is key for protection. Have you heard of the “pinch” test?
- Wrong seat for the child’s age/size – Every seat has a specific fit range. Hate to sound like a nerd, but read the instructions and manuals on everything!
- Forward-facing too soon – The longer your child stays rear-facing, the more protected they are in case of a crash.
- Improper installation – Even high-end car seats need a secure install. Want to make it easier on yourself? Buy a car seat where the install is easy to implement correctly. (Yes, here’s why I shamelessly plug babyark’s step-by-step instructions, and say that with the babyark Smart you have real-time app feedback to reduce human error - helpful on a parent’s typical night’s sleep.)
Building a Safer Community Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming CPST-certified was training alongside passionate, knowledgeable safety advocates who are committed to making a difference. The CPST community is filled with experts who dedicate their time to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to proper car seat safety education.
I had the privilege of learning from and working with an incredible group of technicians, and the energy, dedication, and teamwork in this community are unmatched. Whether it’s through free car seat check events, parent education, or simply spreading awareness, we are all in this together. If you ever need guidance or have questions, know that there’s a whole network of experts here to help. Locally, but also digitally!
Why This Matters to Our Customers
We know you value quality, innovation, and top-tier safety for your child. That’s why we’re committed to providing not only premium products but also expert knowledge to ensure that your investment in safety is maximized. Being CPST-certified allows me to offer personalized guidance, whether you’re selecting a seat, installing it, deciding when to switch seat-facing directions, looking to buy a new car it’ll still fit in, or making sure it still fits as your child grows.
Let’s Elevate Car Seat Safety—Together
As a CPST, my goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and support they need to keep their little ones safe. As babyark’s sales and customer specialist, it was important to me to go that extra step to understand the field of child safety even better and help protect your littlest passengers!
If you ever have questions about car seats, need a check-up, or just want peace of mind, let’s connect. Because true luxury isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about knowing your child is as safe as possible, every time you hit the road.
Stay safe, stay stylish, and let’s ride with confidence!
