Car Seat Program
Child passenger safety is one of the multiple programs administered by our public health nurses. Nurses Dunel Fry, Dawn Schmenk, and Rachael Ruhe are certified child passenger safety technicians. Children who qualify for WIC or Medicaid are eligible to receive one car seat per child provided by the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program at Ohio Department of Health. In addition, the local Baby Needs Program donates funds to purchase infant carriers for the clients that are referred by that program. In 2019, we received an injury prevention grant that focused on working with law enforcement and the court system to create a child passenger safety diversion program. Now, if people get a ticket from law enforcement for not having their child properly restrained in the car, they can come to the health department, participate in an educational program, receive an appropriate car seat for their child and learn how to properly install it. By participating in this program, the ticket cost may be reduced or eliminated.
Ohio Baby Buckles (OBB) Car Seat Program
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 Ohio.
You must also meet WIC Income Guidelines, be income eligible for WIC or Medicaid.
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.
When Is It Safe For My Child To No Longer Use A Booster 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!
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 child can stay in this position comfortably throughout the entire trip.
The lap belt is snug across the upper thighs, not the belly.
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.
Ohio Booster Seat Law
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.