14. Seat Belt Correct: If the car seat is installed using a seat belt, document if the seat belt is used correctly on arrival.
- Yes: No seat belt misuse observed.
- No: Select all misuse that applies.
- If a description of seat belt misuse is not listed, provide a brief description in the “other” box. If more detail is necessary, describe in the Documentation Box on page 2.
- N/A: Check if the car seat is not installed with a seat belt.
15. Tether Correct: Document if the tether is used per car seat manufacturer’s instructions on arrival.
- Yes: No tether misuse observed.
- No: Select all misuse that applies.
- If a description of tether misuse is not listed, provide a brief description in the “other” box. If more detail is necessary, describe in the Documentation Box on page 2.
- N/A: Check if the car seat does not have a tether or if a tether is present and not being used per the car seat manufacturer’s instructions (e.g. a convertible seat in the rear-facing position).
16. Handle Position: Document if the carry handle is being used according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions on arrival.
- N/A: Check if the car seat does not have a carry handle
17. Load Leg: Document if the load leg/foot prop is being used according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions on arrival.
- N/A: Check if the car seat does not have load leg/foot prop.
18. Anti-Rebound Bar: Document if the anti-rebound is being used according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions on arrival.
- N/A: Check if the car seat does not have an anti-rebound bar.
19. Are there non-approved products? Document if the caregiver is using any non-approved products on, under, or next to the car seat or on the seat belt on arrival, e.g.: mirrors, rattle toys, tablets, etc.
- YES: Document additional information in the Documentation Box on page 2.
20. CS Correct Direction Per MFR’s Instructions: Based on the child information and the car seat manufacturer’s instructions, document if the car seat is installed facing the correct direction on arrival.
21. CS Installed Per MFR’s Instructions: Based on the information collected in #11 through #20, document if the car seat is installed according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions on arrival.
- Yes: CS installed correctly
- No: Misuse was found in the information collected in #11 through #20.
- Unknown: Check if correct installation was unable to be verified by the car seat instruction manual, car seat labels, or by contacting the car seat manufacturer.
22. CS Correct for Child Age, Weight, and Height per MFR’s Instructions: Based on information collected in #1-#3, and the car seat manufacturer’s instructions, determine if the child meets the age, weight, and height requirements of the car seat. Measure on site or discuss with caregiver to determine child’s weight and height.
- Unborn Child: Unless conflicting information is provided, select YES if the car seat can be used rear-facing.
- Unknown: Check unknown if the car seat instruction manual or car seat label is unavailable and verification of weight and height is not possible.
23. CS Correct Per State Law: Based on the information collected, determine if the car seat is appropriate/used according to the current state law.
24. Car Seat (CS) Labels Missing: Document if the car seat being used on arrival is missing labels needed to identify general use information.
- If Yes: Complete as much information as possible in #24 through #30.
25. CS MFR: Document the manufacturer name of the car seat being used on arrival. If the manufacturer information cannot be determined, enter “Unknown” in the text box. If the car seat is suspected to be counterfeit, enter “Counterfeit” and enter the manufacturer information.
26. Model Name: Document the model name of the car seat being used on arrival. If the model name cannot be determined, enter “Unknown” in the text box. If the car seat is suspected to be counterfeit, enter “Counterfeit” and enter the manufacturer information.
27. Model Number: Document the model number of the car seat being used on arrival. If the model number cannot be determined, enter “Unknown” in the text box.
28. MFR Date (MM/DD/YYYY): Document the date of manufacture of the car seat being used on arrival. If the manufacture date cannot be determined, enter “Unknown” in the text box.
29. Expiration Date (MM/DD/YYYY): Document the expiration date, if available, of the car seat being used on arrival. If the expiration date cannot be determined, enter “Unknown” in the text box.
30. CS Expired: Determine and document if the car seat being used on arrival is expired.
- Unknown:Check if unable to determine if the car seat is expired.
31. CS Recalled: Using the car seat information collected, identify any recalls on the car seat being used on arrival and document in the Documentation Box on page 2. If the recall has been repaired, document in the documentation box.
Unknown: Check if unable to determine if the car seat is recalled.
- To view the most recent recall link, visit NHTSA.gov
32. CS History Known: Determine and document if the history of the car seat being used on arrival is known.
33. CS Involved in a Crash: Determine and document if the car seat being used on arrival has been involved in a crash.
34. CS Registered: Determine and document if the car seat being used on arrival is registered with the car seat manufacturer, using the caregiver’s current address.
- If the car seat is not registered or if it is unknown if the car seat is registered, provide guidance to the caregiver on how to register the car seat.
- Consider registering the car seat on-site prior to the caregiver leaving the car seat check.