Car Seat Program

You may qualify for a free car seat or booster for your child. Read on to learn more and then contact us to see if you qualify.

The Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) Program
The Ohio Department of Health's child passenger safety (CPS) program, OBB, provides child safety seats and booster seats to eligible, low-income families in all Ohio counties. The overall goals of this program are to increase the availability of child safety seats for families who could not otherwise afford them and to increase the correct installation and proper use of child safety seats. Through the coordinated efforts of a network of local and regional CPS coordinators, the OBB Program distributes child safety seats and booster seats and provides CPS education.

WIC Income-Eligible children may receive one car seat every 3 years if parents or legal guardians register for class and pass the quiz.
Car seats given are convertibles or boosters depending on child’s needs
Donations are encouraged to keep the program going.

Parents must call to register for the car seat class.

TCHD has several nationally certified car seat technicians (CPST) on staff who can give hands-on help with your car seat.

Program Questions?

Abbie Shankland, CPST
Public Health Educator I
Please email: [email protected]
Call: (330) 343-5555 x 1530

Want to request a FREE car seat check by one of our car seat technicians?
Click below to be taken to the form to request an appointment.

Car Seat Check Request

Ohio Car Seat Law 4511.81

Children from birth until either 8 years or 4’9” must be in a car seat or booster seat used according to manufacturer’s instructions
Kids 8 up to 15 in a car seat, booster seat or a seat belt
Any vehicle equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture
Fines of $25 and more plus possible jail time for a second offense
Drivers receive tickets not passengers

Why rear-facing to a minimum of 24 months?

Babies’ bones are very soft and that includes their spines. The spinal column can bend or stretch up to two inches, but the spinal cord may break after ¼ inch of pull. The largest part of a baby’s body is their head, so if forward-faced too soon, the head moves forward with tremendous force and could cause the spinal cord to break causing paralysis or death. Rear-facing, the child’s body is supported by the shell of the car seat, thus protecting the spine. For more information about why rear-facing is the safest option visit:
https://csftl.org/why-rear-facing-the-science-junkies-guide/

Booster Seats Explained

High-back booster seats vs backless boosters
All booster seats are designed to lift and position a child and the seatbelt
so it crosses the strongest parts of a child’s body; across the upper thighs and hip bones and across the middle of the shoulder. All boosters must be used with a lap and shoulder belt combination.

Correct Booster Seat Fit

High back boosters must be used if the child’s ears are above the head rest or seat of the vehicle.

Seat Belt Fit Test

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
6. Can the child's feet rest flat on the floor?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to make both the shoulder belt and the lap belt fit right for the best crash protection. Your child will be more comfortable, too!

For best protection, all children should ride in the back seat until at least age 13 or until they are ready to drive. It's twice as safe as the front seat.

What is the best car seat for my child?

The one that fits your child by height, weight, and needs. No one car seat is the best. Look for ease of use such as easy adjustment of harness straps and easy installation in your vehicle. Check on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for ease of use ratings:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/car-seats-and-booster-seats/car-seat-ease-use-ratings

Make sure whatever car seat you choose meets federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS213).

What if I need my car seat inspected?

The TCHD has several nationally certified car seat technicians on staff who can give hands-on help with your car seat. Call us to make an appointment to get help installing or understanding your car seat.
330-343-5555 x 1530