Keeping children safe in the car is one of the most important parts of every family’s daily routine. Whether you’re bringing your baby home from the hospital, driving to therapy appointments, or transporting a child with specialized medical needs, having the right car seat—and knowing how to use it correctly—can make all the difference.
At Strive, we’re committed to supporting families beyond therapy services by connecting them with trusted community resources throughout Central Texas. One resource we highly recommend is the Dell Children’s Kids in Cars Program, which provides free car seats, car seat safety education, and adaptive transportation solutions for children with medical needs.
If you’re looking for free car seats, car seat safety inspections, or adaptive car seat resources in Central Texas, here’s what you need to know.
Free Car Seats for Eligible Families across Central Texas
The Kids in Cars Program helps ensure children travel safely by providing traditional car seats at no cost to eligible government-assisted families, including those enrolled in Medicaid.
The program serves families throughout:
- Williamson County
- Travis County
- Bastrop County
- Hays County
- Caldwell County
Available Services
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) provide:
- Free car seat inspections
- Education on selecting the correct car seat
- Professional guidance on proper installation
- Instruction on correct everyday use
Eligible families may also receive:
- Convertible car seats (birth through approximately age 4)
- Five-point harness car seats
- Booster seats
The program partners with hospitals and fire departments throughout Central Texas and is currently one of the only community programs in the region providing these comprehensive child passenger safety services.
Adaptive Car Seat Clinic for Children with Medical Needs
For children who require specialized transportation due to medical, developmental, or mobility challenges, the Adaptive Car Seat Clinic offers individualized evaluations to help families find the safest transportation solution.
This clinic is especially valuable for children who cannot safely use a standard car seat because of:
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Developmental disabilities
- Orthopedic conditions
- Complex medical needs
- Mobility impairments
What to Expect During an Appointment
During the evaluation, families can:
- Trial adaptive car seats
- Receive personalized recommendations
- Learn the safest methods for transportation and transfers
- Get assistance pursuing insurance coverage for an adaptive seat
- Receive guidance on additional funding resources if insurance does not cover the equipment
Although most patients are infants through age 12, the clinic serves individuals of any age when an adaptive seat is medically appropriate.
Families from anywhere are welcome to schedule an appointment if they are able to travel to the Dell Children’s Mueller campus.
How to Get a Referral
Unlike the traditional Kids in Cars Program, the Adaptive Car Seat Clinic requires a medical referral.
Referrals must come from a healthcare professional such as:
- Physician
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Nurse
After the referral is received:
- The patient is evaluated and fitted for the most appropriate adaptive car seat.
- A recommendation is completed.
- The recommendation is sent to the patient’s physician.
- The physician signs the documentation and submits it to the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider for insurance authorization.
Helpful Car Seat Safety Resources
In addition, families can use Dell Children’s car seat tip cards as a quick reference for choosing and using the right restraint as their child grows.
Helpful resources include:
- Car Seat Tip Card – A guide to selecting the appropriate rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, along with installation and safety tips for infants and young children.
- Booster Seat Tip Card – Information on when children are ready to transition to a booster seat, proper seat belt positioning, and tips for keeping older children riding safely.
These printable resources are a great supplement to a professional car seat inspection and can help reinforce best practices for safe everyday travel.
Why Child Passenger Safety Matters
Properly installed car seats dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury during a motor vehicle crash. However, studies consistently show that many car seats are installed incorrectly.
Working with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician gives families confidence that their child is riding as safely as possible.
For children with complex medical or mobility needs, an adaptive car seat can also improve positioning, respiratory support, comfort, and overall safety during transportation.
How Strive Supports Central Texas Families
At Strive, we know that caring for a child extends well beyond therapy sessions. Access to trusted community resources can make everyday life safer, easier, and less stressful for families.
For children with developmental delays, disabilities, complex medical needs, or mobility challenges, safe transportation is an important part of participating in everyday life. Our Pediatric Therapy team works with families to address positioning, mobility, and functional needs that may impact safe travel. When appropriate, we can help families determine whether an adaptive car seat evaluation may be beneficial and connect them with community resources like Dell Children’s Adaptive Car Seat Clinic.
For children receiving Private Duty Nursing services, transportation may involve additional considerations such as medical equipment, respiratory support, feeding devices, or other specialized healthcare needs. Our nursing team partners with families and healthcare providers to help ensure children can travel as safely and comfortably as possible.
Whether your family is looking for guidance on transportation safety, adaptive equipment, or local support programs, Strive is here to help. Learn more about our Pediatric Therapy Services and Private Duty Nursing Services to see how we support children and families throughout Central Texas.
Together, we can help every child travel safely.
