Services

BOOKING THE APPOINTMENT

Using the form on the "CONTACT" page, please let me know what type of appointment you are interested in and your preferred dates and times to meet. For appointments at Serenity Birth Studio, please book online via their website (link on CONTACT page). I'll also need the following information in order to ensure you receive the best and most accurate help possible:

• child's age/height/weight (in some cases, torso height is also helpful) or baby's due date
• brand/model name & manufacture date of car seat
• indicate if there are any additional backseat passengers (incl. teens & adults) & include above info for those aged 12 and under
• year/make/model of vehicle

PREPARING FOR THE APPOINTMENT

• 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 
• 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. 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
• 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
• proper cleaning of the car seat
• travel tips & 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

• keep the car seat manual handy and take 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 cleaning instructions
• if there are issues that cannot be resolved during the appointment, I will contact you within a reasonable amount of time to follow-up 
• feel free to contact me any time if you have questions or concerns

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions on the "MORE" page on the main menu.