Choosing the right car seat for your child and installing it correctly can be overwhelming for any parent. Akron Children’s understands this concern and offers a comprehensive free car seat program in Akron, Ohio to help families ensure their children are safe while traveling. This program provides not only discounted car seats to eligible families but also crucial education on proper car seat use and installation.
To begin, selecting the appropriate car seat is the first step in ensuring your child’s safety. Age, height, and weight are the primary factors in determining the best car seat for your child. Akron Children’s provides a helpful car seat selector guide to simplify this process and guide you to the most suitable option for your child’s specific needs.
Once you have the correct car seat, proper installation is paramount. Guidelines and instructional videos are readily available online; simply search for your car seat model number, usually found on a sticker on the side of the seat, to access these resources. Taking the time to meticulously follow these instructions is vital for your child’s protection.
For children aged four to eight, booster seats play a critical role in safety. Statistics show that children in this age group using booster seats are significantly safer – 45% less likely to sustain serious injuries in a car accident compared to those using seat belts alone. To determine if your child is ready to transition out of a booster seat, consider the following checklist:
- Does your child sit comfortably with their back fully against the vehicle seat?
- Do your child’s knees bend naturally at the edge of the seat?
- Does the shoulder belt lie correctly across your child’s shoulder, between their neck and arm?
- Is the lap belt positioned low on the hips, touching your child’s thighs?
- Can your child maintain this seated position throughout the entire journey?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, your child still requires a booster seat. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to child safety.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that all children under 13 years old should always ride in the back seat. Front passenger airbags are designed for adults and can pose a significant risk of injury to children under this age. The back seat is the safest place for children in a vehicle.
For parents seeking professional assistance, Akron Children’s offers car seat checks and installations by NHTSA-certified technicians. These services are available at the Akron campus. To schedule an appointment at the Akron location, please call (330) 543-8942. Additionally, Safe Kids Summit County provides certified technicians at various car seat inspection stations throughout the county. For families in the Mahoning Valley, seat checks and installations are also available at the Beeghly Campus; please call (330) 729-9254 for appointments.
Akron Children’s is committed to making car seat safety accessible to all families. Through their free car seat program in Akron, Ohio, they provide brand new car seats at a discounted price for income-eligible families. Eligibility is extended to families receiving government assistance programs such as WIC and Medicaid. This program goes beyond just providing seats; it includes essential education for caregivers on proper car seat usage, including correct seat angle, tightness, and harness adjustment, ensuring correct installation in their vehicles.
To register for the car seat distribution program, please contact the External Affairs department at 330-543-8942. For residents in the Mahoning Valley, the contact number is 330-729-9254. When you call to register, be ready to provide the following information:
- First and last name
- Phone number
- Zip code
- Age and weight of the child, or due date if pregnant
Akron Children’s employees can also benefit by purchasing car seats at cost plus tax. For cost information and availability, please call External Affairs at extension 38942.
If you have a scheduled car seat appointment, please note the addresses for both campuses:
Akron Campus: 300 Locust Street Suite #160 Akron, OH 44308
Beeghly Campus: 6505 Market Street Building A Boardman, OH 44512
Akron Children’s also provides online resources through the Safe Mobility Project website. This website offers valuable information to help parents choose the right car seat, install it correctly, and even schedule a check for proper installation. Notably, the website is available in 7 languages, making this vital safety information accessible to a wider audience. Beyond car seats, the Safe Mobility Project website also includes resources on bike safety, bicycle helmet fitting, and driving safety tips for new teen drivers. Parents and teens can even create a customized Teen Driving Pledge on the site.
For managing your child’s overall health, Akron Children’s Anywhere Mobile App is a helpful tool. This app allows you to find doctors, locations, get directions, make informed health decisions, and access MyChart securely. With Akron Children’s renowned experts just a tap away, managing your child’s health becomes more convenient than ever.
Prioritizing your child’s safety on the road is paramount. Take advantage of the resources offered by Akron Children’s, including the free car seat program in Akron, Ohio, professional car seat checks, and online safety information, to ensure your peace of mind and your child’s well-being on every journey.
