Buckle Up with Amanda - CPSTI

09/01/2026

Still smiling after the International Kidz in Motion Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina! 🚗✨

Children’s Minnesota sent Emilie and me to learn, connect and present “Manuals, Misuse & Mayhem”—our interactive mix of hidden misuse, manuals, buzzers, teamwork and friendly competition. We even earned our presenter medallions! 🏅

But the best part? The people. Car seat people truly are some of the best humans out there—smart, passionate, wonderfully detail-oriented and always willing to share what they know. We learned a ton, laughed even more and came home with new ideas, great memories and full cups.

There may have also been coffee, beach time, conference swag and just the right amount of mayhem. 🔎🌊☕️

So grateful for the opportunity to represent Children’s Minnesota and connect with this incredible child passenger safety community!

Buckle Up MN Children's Minnesota



📸 Conference photo credit: Shane Palmer/NCOSFM.gov

08/18/2026

As a new school year gets underway, let's remember that keeping our kids safe takes all of us — whether we're walking, biking, driving or riding the bus. ❤️

Check out these quick reminders for a SAFE start to the school year. 👇

08/17/2026

08/01/2026

Car seat safety checks available August 5 and 6 from 4-6 pm at Baldwin Area EMS, 1225 Cedar St., Baldwin WI. Appointments appreciated but not required. Call or text 414-316-8058 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

07/26/2026

The significant increase in e-scooter injuries among children in recent years is a reminder that these e-mobility devices are not toys. They can reach speeds that put children at risk for serious head injuries, fractures, and even death, especially when ridden in traffic.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 should not ride or operate e-scooters because they may not yet have the judgment, experience, and skills needed to safely navigate traffic and other roadway hazards.

For older teens who do ride, a properly fitted helmet is essential. Helmets are the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious head injury and should be worn on every ride.

To learn more about E-Scooter Safety and the AAP recommendations: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/E-Scooters.aspx

07/23/2026

We recently encountered an example of another reason not to use pregnancy seat belt adjusters. Plastic seat belt adjusters can be exposed to intense UV light in a vehicle. UV exposure can significantly weaken plastic, making a device that was already at risk of failing in a crash even more dangerous.

This adjuster was encountered during a prenatal seat belt check. If you would like a seat belt check please send us a message and we can set you up with a Prenatal Vehicle Safety Educator.

07/18/2026

Next week I’ll be Representing Children’s Minnesota in St. Cloud for the 2026 Train the Trainer Conference for Pupil Transportation! 🚌

I’m excited to learn alongside transportation professionals and help present the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses course on Monday. The conference also includes important conversations around specialized transportation, IEP collaboration, safer seating, and supporting every student on every ride.

📍 St. Cloud, Minnesota
📅 July 20–22, 2026

If you’re there, I’ll see you there! 👋🚌

07/08/2026

Every child deserves the safest ride possible. 🚌

This hands-on, nationally recognized training will help you master child passenger safety restraint systems, avoid common mistakes, understand the latest standards, and confidently train drivers and bus staff. Plus, Nationally Certified CPS Technicians can earn 3.5 CEUs upon successful completion. bit.ly/4f6xN6j

07/07/2026

Car Seat Clinic at West Metro Station 1! Appointments are required, but the check is free! Keep those kiddos as safe as can be and get their car seat checked.

If you can't make it to this one next Wednesday, there are other opportunities. See below! 💺👧👦👶