Protect your child better with a car seat safety check
The scary truth is that most parents have not installed their child’s car seat properly, even when they followed the directions. According to the United States Department of Transportation, car accidents are the leading cause of death for children; so, it is very important that all parents are educated on proper car seat installation and safety guidelines.
The scary truth is that most parents have not installed their child's car seat properly, even when they followed the directions. According to the United States Department of Transportation, car accidents are the leading cause of death for children; so, it is very important that all parents are educated on proper car seat installation and safety guidelines.
To keep parents better informed, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Kohl's Injury Prevention Program has partnered with Safe Kids Buckle Up Program and Safe Kids Southeastern PA Coalition to provide car seat safety checks free of charge. Whether you have a newborn or an older child in a booster seat, you can gain added peace of mind that he or she is safe while in the car.
The program offers many different days, times and locations from which to choose to accommodate your busy schedules. You need to make an appointment; so, make sure you call 267-426-5714 or visit them online to find out what time slots are still available.
In Northeast Philadelphia, there will be a check-in at the Philadelphia Fire Department – Engine 22 on June 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children is also hosting one on June 2 also from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you live or work in Bucks County, then a close one to you might be the car safety check at the Parent's Center at St. Mary Medical Center. Appointments are available for Wednesday, May 28 (3 p.m. -6 p.m.), Saturday, June 7 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) and Wednesday, June 18 (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
Delaware County folk have two locations to choose from. On May 15 and June 5, both Thursdays, you can make an appointment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Middletown Fire Department. In Crum Lynn, a convenient choice is the S.M. Vauclain Fire Company. A car seat check-in will be held there on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In Montgomery County, you can attend check-ins at either Abington Memorial Hospital May 17 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or the Plymouth Fire Company May 14 and May 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Don't forget to ask the certified technicians at these check-ins about the new American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for how long your child should be in a rear-facing car seat and for other helpful tips like whether it is safe to buy a used car seat.