One Year of Tiny Seats: A Look Back at the First Year

On June 1, 2025, I picked up my very first car seat.

At the time, I had no idea where this little business would lead. I just knew there was a need for a service that helped busy families keep their children’s car seats clean without the stress, confusion, or guesswork that often comes with it.

One year later, Tiny Seat Company has grown into something I could have never imagined.

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to serve families across the St. Louis area, clean hundreds of pieces of baby gear, earn my Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification, and share my story through features in St. Louis Magazine and Voyage STL.

But the biggest accomplishment isn’t the recognition.

It’s the trust.

Every car seat I pick up belongs to a family who is trusting me with something incredibly important. Parents are inviting me into a small part of their daily lives and trusting me to care for something their child uses every day. That responsibility is something I never take lightly.

This first year has taught me a lot.

I’ve learned that car seats get messy much faster than most parents realize. I’ve learned that many families genuinely want to keep their seats clean but are unsure where to start. I’ve learned that convenience matters, which is why porch pick-up and next-morning return have become such an important part of what I do.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that this business is about more than cleaning.

It’s about helping parents check one thing off an already full list.

As Tiny Seat Company enters its second year, my goal remains the same: provide professional car seat and stroller cleaning using non-toxic, baby-safe products while following manufacturer recommendations and making life a little easier for local families.

I also hope to continue giving back through community safety events, car seat education, and partnerships that help families keep their children safe on the road.

To every customer who booked a cleaning, left a review, shared a post, recommended me to a friend, or cheered me on along the way, thank you.

Tiny Seat Company wouldn’t be here without you.

Here’s to Year Two!

— Stephanie Fried
Founder & Owner