Do you need a Child Safety Car seat?

Do you wonder if yours is correctly installed?

 

Ohio's law requires all children to ride in a car seat until they are both 4 years of age and weigh at least 40 pounds. When child seats are used the right way, they are 71% effective in reducing the risk of death to children from a crash.

The Columbus Health Department offers low cost convertible car seats and booster seats to families in Franklin county. If you are a resident of Franklin county and need a car seat, please contact:

Car Seat Program 

This program is designed to provide car seats, at a reduced cost, to families in need.

Car Seat Hotline at 614-645-7748

Health@columbus.gov

 

Car Seat Checks 

This program is designed to assist families, who already have car seats, install them properly. We have many “Fitting Stations” in and around Columbus where families can take their car seats to be checked   

Click here for Car Seat check up locations

Click here for a schedule of "Fitting Stations"

To receive a reduced cost car seat you must attend a one-hour class to assist you in using your car seat correctly. The cost of the seat is based on family income.

 The Injury Prevention Program is designed to work with parents and caregivers to reduce the risk of injury and death to children ages newborn to 18. We use many approaches for increasing public awareness, providing education, and advocating for behavioral change.

Parents guise to installing and maintaining child safety seats

Buckle Up Kids! is a comprehensive guide on how to properly secure children in vehicles. This booklet should answer most every question that a caregiver may have on choosing the appropriate child restraint system and how to properly install them.

Booster seats and Seat Belts

When can kids use seat belts? Six steps to seat belt safety. Experts strongly recommend that kids between the ages of 4 to 8, who weigh 40-80 pounds and are under 4’9” use a belt-positioning booster seat with a lap/ shoulder seat belt. A booster seat raises the child’s seated height which allows the belt system to comfortably and safely rest across their body. Use these six steps to determining if it is okay to move your child out of a child safety seat. For more information on boosters, read this brochure, A parent's guide to buying and using booster seats.