Child Passenger Safety
FITTING STATION
Car Seat Fitting Stations are specific locations where parents and other caregivers can receive education and training from certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians on how to properly install and use their child safety seat. The goal is to increase correct installation and proper use of child safety seats.
CAR SEAT EVENTS
A team of Child Passenger Safety Technicians will host their own or attend community events to check child safety seats at no cost for families. It’s a good way for parents and caregivers to get answers to car seat questions and receive education and training on how to properly install and use child safety seats.
CAR SEAT PROGRAM
​The Ohio Department of Health's child passenger safety (CPS) program, Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) provides child safety seats and booster seats to eligible low income families in all Ohio counties. The overall goal is to increase the availability of child safety seats for families and to increase correct installation and proper use of child safety seats.
BOOSTER SEAT EDUCATION
A 20-30 minute Booster Seat Education presentation perfect for children ages 3 – 8. Booster Seat Education has been done in pre-school’s and annually at the Samuel R. Cook Safetytown. The I’m Safe! In The Car video (10 mins.) is a great way to help young children and their parents learn why safety belts need to cross strong bones; where kids can safely sit; and how children can help the driver and have fun!
Car Seat Recommendations for Children
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Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, and choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time.
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Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions and read the vehicle owner’s manual.
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To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
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Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.
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Birth – 12 months
Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.
1 – 3 years
Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
4 – 7 years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
8 – 12 years
Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there
