Looking for a free car seat program in Iowa? This is the ultimate guide to finding a free car seat program in Iowa. In this guide, we will teach you why car seat safety is important and how to find alternative ways of finding free car seat programs in Iowa. We will also provide you with the car seat law of Iowa.
Free car seat programs in Iowa (2022)
EveryStep Care and Support Service
EveryStep Care and Support Service is a non-profit organization that provides comfort to people in difficult circumstances by offering Hospice, Community health and wellness, and home care. The organization’s Stork’s nest program offers rewards for healthy behavior such as car seats or strollers to help families who cannot afford them.
Hannah Geneser Learning Center & Safety Store
The Hannah Geneser Learning Center & Safety Store partners with manufacturers to provide car seats at a low cost, with the added benefit of one-on-one education. By buying a car seat from the store, you will also be contributing to the Center for Advocacy and Outreach.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Safety Store offers a wide variety of car seats and brands, all at prices that won’t break the bank for families. They can also process special orders for car seats from a variety of vendors. In addition, they provide free education and training by certified child passenger safety technicians on how to use the seats—whether you purchase the seat through them or not.
Johnson County Empowerment
Johnson County Empowerment is a recipient of a grant from HOPE for Johnson County which allows them to provide car seats, pack-n-plays, and/or baby sleep boxes to those who complete and return the necessary form.
Variety – the Children’s Charity
Variety – the Children’s Charity helps children with special needs gain mobility, confidence, freedom, and independence. The charity provides specialized free car seats to help these children get around. If you are interested in receiving a piece of mobility equipment or know of a child in need, please fill out the application.
Alternative programs to get a free car seat in Iowa
The first place to check when looking for a free car seat is Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). If you are already enrolled in WIC, inquire with them about their free car seat program. Most WIC programs require participants to take a short class on car seat safety and usage, and in return, voucher for a free car seat is given. If your local WIC does not have such a program, ask about other local programs/charities/places that can help you.
Another possibility for a free car seat is if you are eligible for Medicaid. Check whether you are eligible for receiving Medicaid, especially a car seat, by filling out an online application through the Health Insurance Marketplace website. Generally, Medicaid asks you to enroll in a short car seat safety course before sanctioning a free car seat. The course is generally designed to promote awareness for using car seats and proper methods and techniques about their installation.
Most insurance companies provide car seats free of charge to insured new mothers or pregnant women. Contact the insurance company (the number should be on your insurance card) and it is very likely they will cover the cost up to a certain point or directly provide you with a car seat.
A great source to get a free car seat is your local police station or fire department. These professionals are trained in car seat safety, and often they set up programs for the free installation of car seats. They can also help you find new car seats for free as they are familiar with various charities.
You can also contact a local church. Many churches have programs that help low-income families obtain car seats without charge.
Hospitals are another possible place to get car seats without any cost. They will either help you or direct you towards some great local resources.
buckle up for life has donated 61,858 car seats so far to low-income families. They work at a national level and collaborate with different organizations at a local level to provide resources, education, and training to parents all over the country. Families in need, who participate in their child passenger safety classes, qualify to get a free car seat.
What are the car seat laws in Iowa?
The car seat laws in Iowa are as follows: children aged one to six must be secured in a child restraint system, such as a safety seat or booster seat, rather than just a seat belt. Children aged six to eleven must be secured in either a child restraint system or a safety belt. And finally, back-seat riders up to the age of eighteen must be secured by a safety belt. You can read more about Iowa car seat laws here.
Final Thoughts
We hope that the information we have discussed above is helpful in finding free car seat programs in Iowa. If you are unable to find any free car seat programs in Iowa, try reaching out to your nearest police or fire department. Most police and fire departments have the resources needed to help you find free car seat programs in your state if any are available. Please feel free to comment for more information.
