Fire halls will no longer be checking car seats starting next year, but there is another place that will make sure your child is safe.

Since the 1990s, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS), Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), and St. John Ambulance have partnered to deliver a car seat inspection service.

But the announcement was made that they no longer certify technicians and the WFPS doesn't have resources to spare.

While it may have worried a number of parents, it didn't worry Ti'an Hildebrand.

"It's a pretty big misconception that fire halls are the only place you can get these [car seat] checks," Hildebrand said.

There are a number of Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) who work in and around the city. CPST's provide one on one checks, educational sessions, and public car seat clinics.

"[The technicians] are aware of the new laws, the recalls, and everything like that," Hildebrand assured.

Most of the technicians work for free as well, though Hildebrand says they wouldn't turn down a donation. The CPST's look at a number of things, including the placement of the car seat, the levelling of the seat, how it fits inside the car, and even the straps on the inside, making sure they fit your child. 

Hildebrand says that, with the latest training, they may spot something you wouldn't have noticed. 

"Number one is; does it even fit in the vehicle, how does the child fit in the car seat, and is it appropriate for the child and the vehicle," she explained. "Without [the car seat and the car] working together, what's the point of even putting the car seat in?"

CPST's don't just fit your seat and leave. Hildebrand says they educate parents and caregivers about the proper way to put car seats in. She says they want parents to know what they are doing.

"We want the parents to be the last person to touch that seat, and that they are comfortable and confident," Hildebrand said.

Hildebrand encourages parents or grandparents who aren't confident about installing their car seats yet to go online to the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada and use the Find A Tech map. If you can't find one near you, email manitoba.cpst[at]gmail[dot]com.