Defiance County General Health District

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 Are you aware of the types of car seats there are and which one is appropriate for your vehicle?  Do you feel confused or concerned about your child's car seat?  If so, this program may be for you.

kids in car seatsTo qualify you must be a resident of Defiance County.

You must also meet  WIC income guidelines  (Healthy Start medical card does not determine eligibility for the car seat program).

Convertible and Booster Seats are available. Call Defiance County Health Department at 419-784-3818 or the Hicksville Community Center at 419-542-7173 to make an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician.

Using a car seat correctly can make a big difference to your child in a crash. So take the time to properly use and install the car seat every time you travel.

Here are some tips to remember:

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By Ohio law, children must be in a car seat until they are 4 years AND 40 pounds. Thirty-three states have booster seat laws.
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Infants should be rear facing until they are 1 year old AND 20 pounds.  Follow the instructions for your car seat.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests leaving your baby rear facing until at least 18 months of age.     

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A rear facing seat should NEVER be placed in front of an airbag.
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Harness straps should be at or below the infant's shoulders in a rear facing seat.
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Harness straps should be above the child's shoulders in a forward facing seat.
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The retainer clip needs to be at armpit level.
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Harness straps should be snug enough to hug your child in his car seat. You should not be able to "pinch" any slack.
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If your car seat has been involved in a crash, please call the Health Department for advice regarding replacement of the seat.

The Defiance County Health Department is available for car seat safety class instruction. If you are interested in this type of information, or would like us to come to your organization or group, please call 419-784-3818.

For more information on child car seat safety, visit the following links:

      Safe Kids     National Highway Transportation Administration 

  The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia