Appointment Information

BOOKING THE APPOINTMENT

Using the form on the "CONTACT" page, please let me know what type of appointment you are interested. For appointments at Serenity Birth Studio, please book online via their website (link on CONTACT page). 

PREPARING FOR THE APPOINTMENT

In order to help facilitate your appointment and enhance your learning experience, please: 

• read the car seat manual in full and the child restraint section of the vehicle manual; bring both manuals with you to the appointment
• install the car seat to the best of your ability (or at least have it ready to go out of the box)
• ensure the interior of your vehicle is clean and free of excess clutter

DURING THE APPOINTMENT

We begin by verifying the details of your child, car seat and vehicle. When inspecting the installation, the main things I will check are the: 

• tightness/movement of the seat and the use of lower anchors or seatbelt and/or top tether
• use of seat features such as anti-rebound bar, load leg and other parts/accessories specific to the car seat
• recline angle
• overhang allowance and space between car seat and front vehicle seats
• space/overlap between adjacent car seats or passengers 

It is often necessary to partially or fully uninstall the car seat to ensure required parts are being used properly, to adjust the harness and crotch buckle settings or to locate the date of manufacture sticker. This is also an ideal time to demonstrate your ability to install the car seat yourself. If the child is present, their harness fit will also be assessed and you will be taught when and how to make the necessary adjustments as they grow. For a pre-natal installation check, a newborn-sized doll will be used to demonstrate proper harnessing. If the child is not present or not yet born, you are encouraged to follow-up with second appointment for a fit check - there is no additional cost for a newborn fit check within 3 weeks of their birth. 

***For booster seats, I will check that they are correctly set up in the vehicle, that all components are functioning properly and the booster settings are adjusted appropriately for your child's size to ensure a proper seatbelt fit.

We will also discuss important safety topics including:

• what to do in the event of a crash or seat recall
• when the car seat is outgrown and when to transition to the next stage, including the difference between law and best practice
• the use of aftermarket accessories, including mirrors and vehicle seat protectors
• the dangers of wearing bulky clothing or outerwear
• projectiles in the vehicle, including unrestrained pets if applicable
• proper cleaning of the car seat
• travel tips & best practice advice for road trips and flying
• advice for hospital discharge with your newborn

You will be given ample time to ask questions and practice what you have learned, including demonstrating that you can install the car seat yourself using the techniques that I have taught you. Everything taught and discussed during the appointment will be documented on a CAR SEAT INSPECTION FORM which you will sign and be given a copy of at the end of the appointment. 

AFTER THE APPOINTMENT

The support doesn't end once your appointment is over! Feel free to contact me any time you have questions or concerns. I recommend keeping the car seat manual handy and taking it with you to the hospital for baby's birth or when traveling. Refer to the car seat manual often as your child grows and for important information such as what to do after a crash, expiry, cleaning instructions, etc.