Manawatu/Whanganui car seat manager for Plunket, Veronica Fielsend said the stops are about education rather than punishing people.
"We can help people get their restraints up to standard and refer them to a recommended fitter," she said.
"We can also help with applications for Winz grants and we have seats for sale with free installation."
Mrs Fielsend said child car seats have a lifespan of 6-12 years depending on the make and a 25-year-old seat was discovered during a recent check.
"We are working with The Warehouse to purchase seats that we can donate to families experiencing genuine hardship," she said.
The safety checks are funded by Horizons Regional Council and take place three to four times a year in Whanganui.
Roadsafe co-ordinator for Wanganui and Rangitikei Glenda Leitao said the checks are a vital part of road safety education.
Plunket has trained technicians available to give support and advice at the Family Centre, 130 Heads Rd, on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10am until 11am.
People wanting to know more about car restraint compliance can call Wanganui Plunket on 0800 245 373 or check the Facebook page.