Buckle Up Buckeyes: 5 Must-Know Tips for Booster Seat Safety! – According to NHTSA, 46% of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly, while the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database reveals that more than half of all car seats brought in for inspection to child passenger safety technicians are improperly installed and used. Follow these five tips for booster seat safety and learn where you can score a free car seat for your kiddo right here on Newsymom!
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Hey there, parents! Let’s talk about an essential topic: keeping our little ones safe on the road. Booster seats are like superheroes, making sure our kiddos are secure and cozy during car rides. So, grab a cuppa and check out these five super-cool tips for booster seat safety!
1. Picking the Perfect Booster Seat
Alrighty, the first step is choosing the right booster seat. High-back or backless, it’s like picking the coolest ride for your child! High-back boosters are awesome for cars with low seatbacks, while backless ones fit great with high-backed seats. Just make sure it fits your kid’s age, weight, and height – that’s the secret sauce!
2. Nailing the Installation Game
Listen up, folks! Installing the booster seat correctly is key to its superpowers. Read the manual – yes, we know, we’re not big fans of manuals either, but this one’s a must. Follow the instructions, fasten those seat belts right, and don’t let them get all twisted up like a pretzel!
3. Age & Size Matters, Dude!
A little insider info for you: kids between 4 and 8 years old, weighing 40 to 80 pounds, and standing less than 4 feet 9 inches tall rock the booster seat world. But, don’t rush it! Let your kid outgrow their forward-facing car seat before they level up to the booster seat level.
4. Strapping in for Safety
Safety first, amigos! When buckling up your kiddo, make sure that seat belt’s giving them a snug bear hug. The lap belt should stay low and cozy on their hips, not doing the limbo on their tummy. And, oh, that shoulder belt should be besties with their chest, not squishing their face!
5. Leading the Way
You’re the boss here! Set an example for your little sidekick by always wearing your seat belt right. Be the superhero they look up to and show them how seriously we take safety. They’ll be following in your awesome footsteps in no time!
So, dear parents, now you’re equipped with these fantastic booster seat safety tips. Buckle up your little passengers and hit the road with confidence. Remember, booster seats are like sidekicks, keeping our little adventurers safe as they explore the world. Keep driving safe, and let’s keep our kids smiling on every ride! Peace out! 🚀👶
Eligible Parents Qualify for a Free Car Seat Through Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) Program
You can check to see if you qualify for a free car seat or booster seat for your kiddo through Ohio Buckles Buckeyes. The requirements:
- 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.
Check if you’re eligible by emailing healthed@tchdnow.org or calling (330) 343-5555 x. 1110 or x. 1530!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
