Car Seats
Children’s Health Car Seat Program
A hospital-based program by Children’s Health providing free car seats and safety checks for low-income families, emphasizing child passenger safety education.
Services:
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- Free Car Seats: Distribution of new or inspected seats for infants and children, often through partnerships with Safe Riders; requires proof of need (e.g., Medicaid/WIC enrollment).
- Car Seat Checks and Installations: Free 30-minute inspections by certified technicians to ensure proper fit and use.
- Education: Classes on Texas car seat laws and installation, available in English/Spanish.
Eligibility: Low-income families in Dallas County; priority for WIC/Medicaid recipients.
Cost: Free.
Contact:
- If you have car seat questions or wish to speak with a car seat technician to schedule your appointment, please leave a message on our car seat hotline at 214-456-2059. We will return your call within 2-3 business days.
- Phone: 214-456-7000 (main line; ask for Injury Prevention Center)
Inspections are offered at the following locations:
- Dallas – Children’s Health Pavilion: 2350 N. Stemmons Fwy. Dallas, TX 75207; every 1st and 3rd Monday (by appointment only)
- Plano – Children’s Health Specialty Center 2: 7211 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024; every 2nd and last Friday (by appointment only)
Denton County Public Health | Car Seat Program
The Safe Riders program distributes and educates on proper child safety seat use. Families who meet eligibility criteria and attend the course will receive a car seat. Families are required to self-certify financial need, have a vehicle with a working safety belt, and attend a one-hour class to learn how to use the car seat correctly. Car seat classes are held monthly.
Click Here to Register for the English Car Seat Class
Click Here to Register for the Spanish Car Seat Class
Parkland Health Child Safety Seat Program
A community health initiative by Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) offering free child safety seats, safety checks, and education for low-income families enrolled in PCHP’s Medicaid or CHIP plans, aimed at ensuring child passenger safety and compliance with Texas law.
Services:
- Free Car Seats: Provides infant carriers, convertible seats, or booster seats for eligible children after completing a 1-hour safety class (virtual or in-person).
- Car Seat Safety Checks: Free inspections by certified technicians to ensure proper installation, offered at Dallas-area locations or events.
- Education Classes: Training on Texas car seat laws (children under 8 or 4’9″ must use a car seat/booster), proper use, and installation; available in English/Spanish.
Eligibility: PCHP members (Medicaid/CHIP enrollees) with children; low-income families prioritized. Non-members may access classes/checks but not free seats.
Cost: Free for PCHP members; non-members may pay for seats if available.
Additional Notes:
- PCHP serves over 200,000 Medicaid/CHIP members in Dallas County, with car seat events scheduled regularly (check website for 2025 dates).
- For non-members, try Safe Riders (1-800-252-8255) or Children’s Health (214-456-7000).
Safe Riders Child Safety Seat Distribution and Education Program (DSHS)
A statewide program by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) providing free child safety seats and education to low-income families, focusing on reducing child injury risks in vehicles.
Services:
- Free Car Seats: Convertible seats, boosters, or infant carriers for eligible families; requires attendance at a local safety class for proper installation and use.
- Education Classes: 1-2 hour sessions on car seat selection, installation, and Texas laws; classes are free and often held at hospitals, health departments, or community centers.
Eligibility: Low-income families (e.g., receiving WIC, Medicaid, or at/below 200% federal poverty level); must be Texas residents. No seats given without class completion.
Cost: Free seats and classes.
Contact:
- Phone: 1-800-252-8255 (DSHS Safe Riders)
- Email: saferiders@dshs.texas.gov
- Distribution Map can be found Here