The Ohio Department of Health’s child passenger safety program, Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB), provides child safety seats and booster seats to eligible low income families in all of Ohio Counties. The overall goal of this program is to increase the availability of child safety seats for families who could not otherwise afford them and to increase correct installation and proper use of child safety seats.

To be eligible for the free car seat program you must be a resident of Putnam County.

You must also meet WIC Income Guidelines or be income eligible for WIC.

Please call the Putnam County Health Department at 419-523-5608 to determine eligibility and to schedule a car seat class. Car seat classes consist of viewing an instructional video on car seat safety and assisted installation of a car seat.

Are you worried that your child is not properly restrained in their car seat? Please contact one of our certified child passenger safety technicians to have your car seat checked. Car seat checks are free and offer valuable information on car seat safety. Appointments are required to assure availability of technicians. Call 419-523-5608 today!

As of Oct. 7, 2009, Ohio’s children are required to use belt-positioning booster seats once they outgrow their child safety seats (usually at 4 years old and 40 pounds) until they are 8 years old, unless they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches (57 inches) tall.

Ohio’s revised child restrain law requires the following:
• Children less than 4 years old or 40 pounds must use a child safety seat.
• Children less than 8 years old, unless they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall must use a booster seat.
• Children aged 8 – 15 must use a child safety seat or safety belt.

Your child is ready for an adult seat belt if all the following apply:
• The child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with his/her knees bent at the edge of the seat without slouching.
• The shoulder belt lies in the middle of his/her check and shoulder, not his/her neck or throat.
• The lap belt is los and snug across the upper thighs, not the belly.
• The child can stay in this position comfortably throughout the entire trip.