10 Places to Get a Free Car Seat

State or Local Health Departments

Government-run organizations that oversee public health may help. Look into your state or local health departments: many times, government-run public health organizations will offer free car seats and booster seats or loan them out for free. Examples of state-run public health organizations include the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health. Local examples include the Austin Public Health Department in Texas and the Allegheny County Health Department in Pennsylvania. If you’re not sure where to begin, go to your specific state or local health department’s official website, or contact them via phone. Many organizations will give car seats out to anyone who needs one, but some may only serve low-income families. Most programs will require that you take a brief safety course before receiving a car seat.

Nonprofit Organizations

There are many organizations dedicated to helping families in need. Nonprofits such as Safe Kids Worldwide, United Way, Buckle Up for Life, and Baby2Baby are just a few examples of organizations that serve families in need of car seats and booster seats. Most of these organizations will serve any family who asks for help, but some may only serve low-income families. Reach out through these organizations’ websites for more information, or use Charity Navigator to find other legitimate organizations in your area.

Local Churches

A church near you may run an outreach program for families in need. Many churches work to support their community by donating goods such as car seats and booster seats. Check with a church near you to see what they have to offer or if they can get you involved with a relevant program. You likely don’t need to belong to the church in order to take advantage of outreach programs.

Hospitals and Healthcare Systems

Many medical institutions offer free car seats to patients in need. Hospitals and healthcare systems, especially children’s medical centers, sometimes offer free supplies to families who demonstrate a need. Check out your local children’s hospital to see what they offer. For instance, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Child Safety Seat Program offers free seats to anyone who can’t afford them. Even if your local hospital doesn’t offer free car seats, someone there can likely connect you with a charity or other organization that can help.

Pregnancy Centers

Pregnancy centers offer resources for expecting and new mothers. This includes classes, maternity items, baby supplies, and car seats. Check out pregnancy centers in your area to see if they can supply you with a free car seat or booster seat for your baby. Popular examples of pregnancy centers that may offer free car seats include Care Net and the Women’s Choice Network. Be sure to reach out to the center ahead of time to make sure they are offering free car seats and to make sure you’re eligible. Some centers may have different requirements for eligibility.

Medicaid

If you qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for a free car seat. Medicaid is a state and federal program providing health insurance to low-income people in need. As with other programs, you’ll likely have to take a brief safety course prior to getting a car seat. If you don’t already have Medicaid, apply at healthcare.gov or via your state’s Medicaid website.

WIC Programs

If you qualify for WIC, you may be able to get a free car seat through them. Depending on what state you live in, your WIC—Women, Infants, and Children—program may offer free car seats and booster seats to parents who complete a child passenger safety seat inspection appointment.

Insurance Companies

Check your company’s policy to see if you’re eligible for a car seat. Some insurance companies provide free car seats to insured new mothers or pregnant women. Go to your insurance company’s website or contact their customer service for specific information. If you don’t have an insurance company and are looking, see if you can find one that offers free car seats.

State Car Seat Inspection Stations

See if your local firehouse or police department offers free car seats. Firehouses and police departments are examples of state car seat inspection stations, places where certified technicians inspect car seat installation in order to ensure they’re safe and secure. Some car seat inspection stations also offer free car seats to families in need. Locate a state car seat inspection station using the NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator. Not all car seat inspection stations will offer free car seats, or they may have limited availability. Call ahead to make sure they can provide a car seat. If your local station can’t provide free seats, they may be able to connect you with a local charity or other organization offering free car seats.

Online Marketplaces

Many people get rid of their used car seats for free or cheap online. People in your neighborhood may have used baby items they no longer need, and they might be prepared to give them away for free. Check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other virtual marketplaces to see what might be available nearby. You might also consider posting on social media to see if anyone in your network has access to a car seat they don’t need.