The COVID-19 pandemic is requiring families to stay at home as much as possible, but there are still times when bringing a child on an essential errand is needed.

To support parents and caregivers, Safe Kids Worldwide has partnered with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to provide online and virtual tools that show parents how to properly use and install car seats.

Some car seat manufacturers are offering virtual car seat checks . Other resources from Safe Kids Worldwide include the ultimate car seat guide, an interactive map of car seat laws for every state, and car seat cleaning tips. The National Child Passenger Safety Board is also offering guidance for conducting virtual car seat checks.

Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, many in-person inspection hours are not being offered. However, the OTS is working with car seat programs we fund to offer virtual car seat checks, including Contra Costa Health Services, Rancho Cordova Police Department, San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department and Ventura County Fire Department.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to reach out to a Safe Kids Coalition coordinator in their area to receive help installing and inspecting a car seat. They may also contact their local CHP office to determine availability in their area, which could be assistance over the phone, or in-person on a case-by-case basis.

Last month, Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Rick Boyer taught a new dad (from a safe distance) how to safely install his newborn's car seat. You can watch Sgt. Boyer in action on the Anaheim Police Department's Facebook page .