OPINION | Why Every Parent in Glendale Should Meet With the City’s Child Safety Officers

Glendale City Police Officers Edgar Zabunyan (left) and Daniel Lee (right)

Opinion piece by Anna Kachikyan

Did you know that baby car seats have expiration dates? Or that if your car is involved in any kind of accident, the seat can no longer be used—but your insurance should cover the full cost of a replace

ment?

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As a first-time parent expecting our first baby, my husband Shant and I have been overwhelmed by the avalanche of information that comes with preparing for a newborn. By the time we reached 34 weeks, I began to panic. According to many parenting blogs, you’re supposed to have your car seat installed by week 32.

We had purchased a brand-new seat and also received a gently used one from a relative. But we hadn’t completed the most important step—installation.

Anna Kachikyan (left) and Shant Der Ashodian (right)

Like most people, we could have turned to YouTube for help. But truthfully, I didn’t trust either myself or my husband to get it 100% right. Not because I think we’re incapable, but because I had a million questions about child safety that only an expert could answer.

In a lucky twist of timing, while out on a walk we saw two Glendale Police officers on bikes. I flagged them down and asked about car seat safety. That’s when I learned they weren’t just any officers—they were the only two certified child safety technicians in the Glendale Police Department: Officers Edgar Zabunyan and Daniel Lee.

When I asked about the most common mistake parents make with car seats, Zabunyan didn’t hesitate:

“One of the most common mistakes I see is that parents think the seat is installed correctly because it feels tight or because they followed the picture on the box. In reality, a lot of seats I check are either too loose, not using the correct belt path, or the harness straps are too loose on the child. Another big misconception is turning a child forward-facing too soon — many parents don’t realize that rear-facing is safest for as long as possible within the seat’s limits.”

They offered to help on the spot. We brought out both car seats and our vehicles, and they got to work.

Before starting, they gave us a crash course in car seat safety. They checked the SKU numbers on the back of each seat to ensure there were no recalls and confirmed neither seat was expired.

Lee explained why this matters:

“It’s important to check the SKU and expiration date because a car seat’s safety isn’t based solely on its appearance. Even if the seat looks brand new, materials like plastic can weaken over time due to temperature changes, UV exposure, and general aging. The expiration date ensures the seat still meets current safety standards and performs properly in a crash.”

It’s humbling to realize how much you don’t know about child safety until you sit down with experts like Zabunyan and Lee. They walked us through proper seat positioning, how to check harness fit, and common mistakes to avoid.

Lee shared one tip every parent can do today:

“Tighten the harness straps so they pass the ‘pinch test.’ With the child buckled in, try to pinch the harness strap at the shoulder — if you can pinch any slack, it’s too loose. Snug straps keep the child securely in place during a crash, preventing dangerous movement.”

As Glendale residents, we are incredibly fortunate to have this resource available. Right now, Zabunyan and Lee are working to create a formalized child safety program for the city—something that could benefit thousands of families.

“The program will offer free child car seat inspections, making safety accessible for all families,” Zabunyan said. “Inspections are performed by certified child passenger safety technicians, who not only fix issues but teach parents proper installation techniques.”

Parents in Glendale can contact Officers Zabunyan and Lee to:

• Set up and install car seats correctly.

• Learn child passenger safety protocols.

• Verify seats are up to date and not part of a recall.

• Get personalized tips tailored to their vehicle and child’s age or size.

  
  

  

  
  

Zabunyan stressed one point above all:

“The very first ride home is just as important as every ride after. That means making sure the seat is installed correctly before the baby arrives, and that you know how to secure the harness snugly and safely. A properly installed seat with a snug harness can make all the difference in a crash.”

The Glendale Police Department fully supports this new program, with backing from Chief Manny Cid. Once final logistics like scheduling are set, the program will be open to all families.

We’re so grateful to Officers Zabunyan and Lee, and to the Glendale Police Department, for offering this invaluable service. With our seats installed and our questions answered, we feel more ready than ever to meet our baby.

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