Car Seat Program

Car Seats

Caregivers often have questions about the proper use and installation of car seats. Children or pregnant individuals may qualify for a free car seat if they have Blue Plus or UCare state health insurance. 

Who is eligible?

All families in Crow Wing County with children from newborn through 9 years old may be eligible for a car seat if they have Blue Plus or UCare state health insurance. All families in Crow Wing County qualify for a free car seat check.

Car seat distribution through Blue Plus or UCare

You may qualify for a free seat through your health insurance. Please use the contact info below, and we will verify your eligibility.

  • Clients needing a new car seat 
  • Pregnant clients who are at least 28 weeks along and do not have a car seat 
  • A child who needs to move to a different seat 

The types of car seats we can distribute:

    • Cosco Scenera Next rear-facing convertible
    • Cosco Finale 2 in 1 combination
    • Backless booster
    • Infant-only seats are available by request to UCare clients only
    • Car seat distribution appointments take around 30-60 minutes. Bring your car seat manual for your appointment if available.

How to make an appointment for a car seat distribution?

By phone: Call 218-839-6050

Email: Ryen.beeson@crowwing.gov 

Gather your information

Before we can help, we will need to know:

  • Names of the child or children (with correct spelling) receiving a car seat or, if you are pregnant, your name and due date 
  • The birth date of the client receiving the car seat
  • The health insurance information for the client receiving the car seat
  • Current phone number and/or email
  •  We only accept UCare or Blue Plus for car seat distribution.

How to make an appointment for a car seat check?

You have a new seat and want to ensure it is installed correctly. We are unable to help install used car seats.

  • Car seat check appointments take about 30-60 minutes. The car seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual are beneficial at the time of the car seat check.

Schedule an appointment

By phone: Call 218-839-6050 or 218-824-1150

Car seat resources

For additional resources on installing car seats, we recommend:

Child passenger safety guide

English   Spanish

Car seat recalls

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Car seat registration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Car seat recall check

Minnesota's car seat law

Minnesota's state law on child passenger safety was modified and went into effect August 1, 2024. Children are now required by law to be rear facing until at least two years old.

Car Seat

 Crow Wing County Public Health Certified Passenger Safety Technician:

  • Amber Stroschein, PHN
    • Phone: 218-824-1122
    • Email: Amber.Stroschein@crowwing.gov