Child seat check in Exeter
Professional child seat check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Child seat checked thoroughly for proper installation and safety. I verify anchor points, harness adjustment, and compatibility with your vehicle so you know your little one is properly protected.
Your Child's Safety Comes First
Most parents think their child seat is fitted correctly. The stats say otherwise - over 70% of child seats in the UK have some kind of fitting error. Loose installations, twisted straps, wrong recline angles, incompatible anchor points.
💡 Pro tip: Even if you've had it fitted by a shop, get a second opinion. I've found serious issues with "professional" installations more times than I can count.
What Gets Checked
Here's what I look at during a child seat safety check:
| Check Area | What I Verify |
|---|---|
| Installation | Seat moves less than 2.5cm side-to-side and front-to-back |
| Anchor Points | ISOFIX connections fully engaged, or seatbelt routed correctly |
| Harness | Straps at correct height, no twisting, proper tension |
| Recline Angle | Appropriate for child's age (especially critical for babies) |
| Compatibility | Seat approved for your specific vehicle |
Common Problems I Find
| ✅ Safe Installation | ❌ Dangerous Issues |
|---|---|
| ISOFIX fully clicked in, indicators green | ISOFIX partially engaged - looks fitted but isn't |
| Seatbelt locked in correct mode | Seatbelt in wrong mode, allows movement |
| Harness snug with no slack | Harness loose enough to fit adult hand under |
| Top tether tight (if required) | Top tether not used or barely tensioned |
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single seat check | 30 mins | £60 |
| Two seats checked | 45 mins | £85 |
| Three seats checked | 1 hr | £60 (minimum) |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). If adjustments or reinstallation needed, that's included.
💡 Pro tip: If you're expecting another child, bring any seats you're planning to use - I'll check compatibility and show you the best positions in your car.
Perfect For...
✅ New parents - first child seat, want to get it right
✅ Second-hand seats - need to verify it fits your car properly
✅ After accidents - seat may look fine but structure could be compromised
✅ Growing children - time to adjust or upgrade to next stage
Why Choose Us for Child seat check in Exeter?
Full safety check of current installation
Advice on correct fitting and adjustments
Verification of compatibility with your vehicle
Peace of mind your child is safe
What to Expect
Step 1: Vehicle Check
I'll check your car's manual (or look up specs) to confirm what types of child seats are approved for each seating position. Not all seats work in all cars.
Step 2: Installation Inspection
I check how your seat is currently fitted - anchor points, belt routing, stability. I'll rock it, pull it, test the recline, check the indicators. If it's wrong, I'll show you exactly what the problem is.
Step 3: Fit Adjustment & Advice
I'll adjust or reinstall as needed, then show you how to check it's secure each time you use it. You'll also get advice on when to move to the next seat stage.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to check your own child seat between professional inspections? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Your car's manual (or download PDF online)
- Child seat instruction manual
- Your actual child (for harness fitting)
🔒 The wobble test
- Pull the seat firmly at the belt path (where it connects to car)
- Should move less than 2.5cm (1 inch) side to side or front to back
- If it moves more, it's too loose - needs adjustment
📏 Harness height check
- Rear-facing: harness slots at or below child's shoulders
- Forward-facing: harness slots at or above child's shoulders
- If it's wrong, your seat probably has adjustable harness positions
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using ISOFIX AND seatbelt together (only use one unless manual says otherwise)
- Not engaging top tether when required
- Having harness too loose (should not be able to pinch any slack)
- Wrong recline angle for baby's age
💡 Pro trick: Take a photo of the correct installation after a professional check. That way you can verify it's still right if someone else uses your car or you need to reinstall the seat.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 Multiple children? Book all seat checks together. I can advise on the safest configuration for your specific car and which seats work best where.
Got the wrong seat for your car? I'll tell you honestly if your seat isn't compatible. Better to know now than find out in an accident. I can advise on what type will work properly.
Seats older than 6 years? Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 6 years as plastics degrade. If you've been in an accident, even a minor one, the seat should be replaced - the structure might be compromised even if it looks fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a child seat check involve?
I check that your child seat is properly installed, correctly fitted to your car's anchor points (ISOFIX or seatbelt), and adjusted correctly for your child's age and size. You'll get clear advice on any adjustments needed and confirmation it's safe.
Can you check any type of child seat?
Yes - infant carriers, convertible seats, booster seats, ISOFIX bases, the lot. Each type has specific fitting requirements and I'll make sure yours meets them. Bring your car manual if you have it handy.
My seat is already fitted - why get it checked?
Most child seats aren't fitted correctly, even though parents think they are. Straps at wrong angles, loose installations, wrong recline positions - these all compromise safety. A quick check now could literally save your child's life in an accident.
How long does a check take?
Usually about 30 minutes. I'll check the installation, test all the adjustment points, make sure the harness fits your child properly, and show you how to get it in and out correctly each time.
Will you re-fit it if it's wrong?
Absolutely. If I find issues, I'll adjust or reinstall it properly on the spot. That's all included - you're not paying extra just to be told there's a problem.
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