Hi mamas! I have a friend that has 2 children in carseats and I am concerned about the ones that they are in....her son is well over a year and still in an infant seat and I know he is over the weight/height limit. I would like to approach her about this but also provide some resources at the same time beacause I am sure that cost is the issue at hand because she is a single mother struggling as it is. Does anyone know of any programs that help with free or reduced cost carseats? She lives in Arlington,Tx if that helps. Thanks in advance!!!!
Call 2-1-1 and see what assistance she can find that way.
Churches have benevolent funds to help out with this kind of thing.
Good luck and kudos to you for being a great friend. :)
Misson Arlington frequently gets car seat donations. They give them away pretty much the second they get them. So you need to check with them daily to see if one is available. Completely free of charge!
The Texas Dept of Health gives out free car seats through the Safe Rider program. Their website says that funding is low and they don't always have a supply of seats everywhere in the state, but here's their number so you can call and find out more: 800-252-8255 from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Here is their website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/saferiders/distribution.shtm
Craigslist always has car seats too. It isn't the best option since it's hard to tell the condition of the car seat when you buy them used, but it's better than nothing. Good luck!
Once upon a child, on Cooper and Sublett. She can buy a gently used car seat for very cheap. And if her current one is in good condition, she could sell hers to them. I would approach it by having her meet you for lunch at CiCis pizza, right next to it in same shopping center. Then, after lunch, tell her you want to run over to Once Upon A CHild and see if they have any new stuff in. While you're there, point out a proper carseat. "hey look, now that the baby is ready for the next size up, you can come here and get this one for $20!
Also, thrift stores have them very cheap. Many people donate car seats.
I'm glad others were able to help you as I had no idea! I just wanted to say kudos to you and that you are an awesome friend in my book! I know it's a touchy subject but hopefully you can bring it up to her casually or if it's possible for you to buy one from one of the places mentioned for her as a belated bday gift or something...good luck!!
Have her check out the resale shop on Cooper/Sublett called Little Giggles. If you are familiar with the area, Once Upon a Child used to be there before they closed, next to Plato's. They are one resale shop that I know that buys carseats, so I am sure they sell them for alot less than new at the store. That's where I am going for a 2nd carseat for my granddaughter, who is 6 months and almost too big for the infant seat.
She might check with her car insurance company. I know mine will provide free or really cheap car seats (can't remember which !).
