Wendy Thomas - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, Seattle, WA

Private professional child safety seat checks in and around the Seattle area.

I will show you how to install and use your seat properly, and you will leave knowing how to install the seat yourself. I will discuss next steps, travel, pets, and basic car safety.

FAQ

1. When do you do checks?

I work weekday daytimes and evenings, and the first and third weekend of each month.

2. How long does a check take?

A check with one seat and one car typically takes about an hour. Additional seats and cars can go beyond that.

3. How much do you charge?

I charge $25 for the first seat, and $10 per additional seat or car.

4. What do I need to do and bring for a check?

Please bring all parts of the seat (base, if applicable, seat, manual) and anything you are planning to use with, on, or under the seat. If you have a brand new seat you are welcome to install it before we meet, so that way you can know in advance if you have any questions about it. Or I am happy to help you unbox and install the seat properly the very first time.

5. Where do you check seats?

I am centrally located within Seattle, and I am happy to meet you in Seattle and surrounding areas.

6. Should I bring my child with me?

Ideally yes, unless they are as of yet unborn. This is so we can see the fit of the seat with the child in it, I can check harness snugness, and for older kids, I can discuss with them their responsibility in the car. I know this is not always possible or convenient, but it is ideal.

7. Are you certified?

Yes, I'm a certified technician via Safe Kids, USA, which is a national certification. I've been doing carseat checks since 2006, and have been a Senior Checker since March 2011.

8. Are you associated with an agency?

I have worked with Safe Kids King County - South , Car Safe Kids, and Safe Kids Wake County (NC). However, I am an independent technician, and during private checks I do not represent anyone but myself.

9. We're scheduled to meet in an hour but it's pouring down rain. Will you still meet?

In pouring rain I would prefer to reschedule. I will do checks in light rain. Unless we're meeting someplace covered, be prepared for weather. Or give me a call and we'll reschedule.

10. I'm due in two weeks and I'd love to have the seat checked before that. Will you have time to see me in the next two weeks?

In many instances I can see people within a couple of days, based on scheduling.

11. I would love to have my four seats checked, but I don't have $55 for the total cost. Will you still check my seats??

Absolutely. I'm happy to work with you on an amount that will fit in your current budget.

12. Why should I pay you when I can go somewhere else and get this done for free?

What you get with me is education as well as installation, for as many cars as you would like, at a time and location that are good for you. I will spend the time necessary with you to make sure that your seat is installed properly, you know how to use it, and answer any questions you have. I will not charge by the hour, just by the job.

13. Six months ago you checked my infant seat. Now I have a convertible in each car that I need help with. How much do you charge for that?

This situation falls under additional seats and cars, since most of the education had been done during the first meeting. For two convertibles in two cars that would cost $20.

14. How can I pay you?

Cash, check, or paypal are accepted.

15. Do you teach classes or do workshops for groups?

Absolutely. Contact me to work out availability and pricing.

Contact Information
wendy@wendytt.com

Clients' comments:

You are incredibly efficient. Thank you so much. Your visit yesterday and this follow-up information are so, so helpful - it's probably the best $25 I have spent in a long time. - L

Thanks so much for meeting with us today on such short notice and sending on this info. You really provide a great service and it was great to meet you. - E & B

I want to say thank you for meeting with my husband and I and helping us secure our son's carseat. You had just returned from a trip, had your two girls in tow, and were on your way to get groceries - but you made time for us and our son. Amazing. The carseat is so stable now and we have been using the back anchor, and we feel so much safer all around. This is a great service you are offering. Thank you so very much. - T & C

Favorite links
http://www.car-seat.org
http://www.cpsafety.com
http://www.carseatblog.com
Document downloads:
General Tips (PDF)
Britax Convertible Tips (PDF)
Chicco KeyFit Tips (PDF)