Choosing the right car seat for your child and ensuring it’s correctly installed can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, for families in Akron, Ohio, access to resources and support, including free and discounted car seat programs, is readily available. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about car seat safety and how to take advantage of the Free Car Seat Program Akron Ohio offers, ensuring your child’s safety on every journey.
Understanding the appropriate car seat for your child is crucial and depends on their age, height, and weight. Akron Children’s provides a helpful car seat selector guide to simplify this process. This tool helps parents determine the best type of car seat, from rear-facing infant seats to forward-facing seats and booster seats, as your child grows.
For proper installation, guidelines and videos are invaluable. You can easily find resources specific to your car seat model by searching online using the model number, typically found on a sticker on the side of the seat. Correct installation is paramount for the car seat to perform effectively in protecting your child.
Booster seats play a vital role for older children transitioning from forward-facing car seats. Children aged four to eight using booster seats are significantly safer – 45% less likely to sustain serious injuries in a crash compared to those using seat belts alone. It’s important to know when your child is ready to move from a booster seat. Consider these questions:
- Can your child sit with their back fully against the vehicle seat?
- Do their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
- Does the shoulder belt properly cross between their neck and shoulder?
- Is the lap belt positioned low on their thighs?
- Can your child maintain this seated position for the entire trip?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, your child still needs a booster seat.
It’s also critical to remember that all children under 13 should ride in the back seat. Front passenger airbags are designed for adults and can pose a serious injury risk to children under this age. The back seat is the safest place for children.
For hands-on help, certified technicians offer professional car seat checks and installations. Akron Children’s, through their External Affairs office, provides this service with NHTSA-certified technicians. To schedule an appointment at the Akron campus, call (330) 543-8942. Safe Kids Summit County also has certified technicians at various car seat inspection stations throughout the county. For the Beeghly Campus, installations and checks can be arranged by calling (330) 729-9254.
Akron Children’s goes a step further by offering a free car seat program akron ohio families can benefit from. They provide brand new car seats at a discounted price, and in some cases, potentially free, to income-eligible families. Families receiving government assistance such as WIC or Medicaid are typically eligible for this program. Crucially, the program includes education for caregivers on the correct use and installation of the car seat, covering essential topics like seat angle, tightness, and harness adjustment. This educational component ensures parents are equipped to use the seats safely and effectively.
To register for the free car seat program akron ohio, contact the External Affairs department at 330-543-8942. For residents in the Mahoning Valley, the number is 330-729-9254. When you call, be ready to provide:
- Your first and last name
- Phone number
- Zip code
- Child’s age and weight, or due date if you are pregnant
Akron Children’s employees can also purchase car seats at cost plus tax. For cost and availability, employees should call External Affairs at extension 38942.
If you have a scheduled car seat appointment, note the addresses:
Akron Campus: 300 Locust Street Suite #160 Akron, OH 44308
Beeghly Campus: 6505 Market Street Building A Boardman, OH 44512
For additional resources, the Safe Mobility Project website, managed by Akron Children’s External Affairs, offers extensive information. Available in 7 languages, it assists parents in selecting, installing, and checking car seats. The website also includes valuable information on bike safety, helmet fitting, and resources for teen drivers.
Prioritizing your child’s safety while traveling is paramount. Take advantage of the resources and support offered through the free car seat program Akron Ohio provides, and ensure your peace of mind knowing your child is secure on every ride. Contact Akron Children’s today to learn more and register for the program.
