Interested in becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician? Find out more information.

• We typically conduct two, 3 1/2-day trainings a year (Spring and Fall) to certify individuals as car seat technicians.
• Locate the closest course to you and sign up.
• The course fee is $95 to Safe Kids and $100 to Cincinnati Children's.

Already a Child Passenger Safety Technician?

• The National Child Passenger Safety Board has a wide variety of resources available for technicians as well. Check out their site for all your child passenger safety needs.
• Continuing education credits are available at carseateducation.org
• To inquire about seat sign offs and community events email carseats@cchmc.org

Rear Facing Only

• Typically has a carry handle and may be referred to as an infant seat
• Some have bases and others can be installed as a carrier only
• Upper weight limit usually ranges from 22-35 pounds
• Child's head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the seat
• Harness straps should be coming out of the slots at or below your child's shoulders
• Check manufacturers' instructions for weight and height requirements

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children remain rear-facing until they reach the upper weight or height of their rear-facing car seat.

Convertible

• Rear-facing to a certain weight or height limit:
  • Some convertibles start at 5 pounds and go up to 40 or 50 pounds rear-facing
  • Child's head needs to be 1 inch below the top of the seat
  • Harness straps should be coming out of the slots at or below your child's shoulders
• Forward-facing starting at a certain weight limit:
  • Most convertibles require the child to be at least 2 years old and a minimum stated weight to use forward-facing
  • Child's shoulders should not be above the top slots
  • Child's ears should not be above the top of the seat
  • Harness straps should be coming out of the slots at or above your child's shoulders
• Check manufacturers' instructions for weight and height requirements

Combination

• Forward-facing only
• Can be used with an internal harness up to usually 40 pounds or more
• Can be used as a belt-positioning booster seat up to 100 pounds or more
• Check manufacturers' instructions for weight and height requirements

Booster Seats

• Belt-positioning booster seats can be used beginning at age 4 and 40 pounds to upwards of 120 pounds and a height of 4'9"
• Many children aren’t ready for a booster until they are 6+
• Must use a lap-and-shoulder belt
• Check manufacturers' instructions for weight and height requirements

Seat Belts

• Once a child is around 4'9", the vehicle seat belt should fit them appropriately
• Seat belt fit can vary between vehicles
• All children under 13 should be in the back seat to avoid frontal airbags

Sometimes, traditional car seats won't meet the transportation needs of a child; therefore, a special needs car seat may be necessary. Here at the CCIC, we have staff trained and certified to help you determine the best device or way for your child to ride safely and securely in the car.

To discuss your transportation options, please call 513-803-RIDE today!

Did you know there is a place within Cincinnati Children's where you can go and purchase car seats at discounted prices? Our Family Resource Center is where we sell all of our car seats, helmets, and home safety products for patients, families, and staff.

Call today at 513-636-5009, or stop by to see what they have to help keep you and your family safe!

Sometimes, it can be difficult to get your child's car seat installed into your vehicle securely and correctly. Check out these great videos from Buckle Up For Life to ensure your child's seat is properly installed.

If you have any doubts, locate the nearest fitting station, or call us at 513-803-RIDE to schedule an appointment!

In the State of Ohio, there is a program called Ohio Buckles Buckeyes, which helps low-income families acquire a car seat for their child. Located in each county, there is an agency or organization that can help a family get a seat. The family must be WIC eligible, live in the particular county, attend an educational training, and get the seat installed.

To find the nearest OBB site, please see this list. 

Adams/Brown County:
Adams Brown Early Head Start
Ramona Applegate & Cassidy Higle
406 West Plum Street
Georgetown, OH 45121
937-378-6041 ext 318
rapplegate@abcap.net
Social Media: Adams Brown Head Start

Butler County:
Help Me Grow
Jessie Haddix & Kelly Backer
400 N. Erie Blvd., Suite A
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-896-2344
haddixj@bcesc.org
Social Media: Butler County Educational Service Center

Clermont County:
Clermont Co. Public Health
Angela Lipps & Amanda Sweet
2400 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 200
Batavia, OH 45103
513-735-8400
alipps@clermontcountyohio.gov
Social Media: Clermont County Public Health

Clinton County:
Health District
Katie Burwinkel
111 South Nelson Ave., Suite 1
Wilmington, OH 45177
937-382-3829
kburwinkel@clincohd.com
Social Media: Clinton County Health District

Hamilton County:
Norwood City Board of Health
Gina Henderson, RN
2059 Sherman Avenue
Norwood, OH 45212
513-458-4600
gcroft@norwoodhealth.org
Social Media: Norwood City Board of Health

Highland County:
Community Action Org.
Karah Dantas
1487 North High St., Suite 500
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-3060
kdantas@hccao.org
Social Media: Highland County WIC

Warren County:
Health District
Maria Ernest
416 S. East Street
Lebanon, OH 45036
513-695-1272
mernest@wcchd.com
Social Media: Warren County Health District

Ohio

• Any child, either less than 40 pounds, or less than 4 years old, must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in a child safety seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
• Any child, who is less than 8 years of age, or less than 4 feet 9 inches in height, must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in a booster seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
  • It is recommended that children who may be 8, but less than 4 feet 9 inches in height remain in a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly.
• All children younger than 13 years of age should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

Kentucky

• Any child less than 40 inches tall must be in a child and/or infant seat.
• Any child, who is under 7 years of age and is between 40-57 inches tall, must be in a booster seat.
• All children over 7 years of age or over 57 inches tall must be secured in a seat belt.

Indiana

• Indiana law requires all children under the age of 8 to use a child restraint system in accordance with the child restraint system manufacturer's instruction, which is based upon the child's height and weight.
• All children under the age of 16 must be properly restrained either by using a seat belt or a child restraint system, which includes a booster seat.