Car Seat Program

Car crashes are a leading cause of preventable death in children. Some deaths can be attributed to incorrectly installed or maintained car seats.


The Auglaize County Health Department has a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) on-site. We understand car seat instructions are often confusing and differ from car seat to car seat! Our CPST is trained on all aspects of car seat safety and can translate those manuals into clear easy to follow instructions to keep your kids safe.


Car Seat Safety Checks and Installation Guidance


If you or a loved one need direction on installing a car seat or making sure your child’s seat is being used correctly, we are here to help! A car seat check often takes less than 15 minutes and our CPST can perform the check right from our parking lot!


Call us at 419-738-3410 to schedule a car seat demonstration or check to make sure your seat is ready before you hit the road!

  • Car Seat checks are held by appointment every weekday


Ohio Buckles Buckeyes


In addition to having a CPST on site, the Auglaize County Health Department is an Ohio Buckles Buckeyes distribution location. This means that eligible families have the ability to receive a car seat FOR FREE from our location in Wapakoneta.


If you are in need of a car seat for your child, please call us at 419-738-3410.

  • Car Seat classes are held by appointment every weekday.
  • Both convertible and booster seats are available for eligible families.
  • During your appointment, your child will be measured and weighed in order to find the best car seat for them!


Prior to your appointment, please review our Car Seat Safety Video by using the link below!

Is Your Child in the Right Seat?

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Many of these deaths and injuries can be prevented by using car seats, boosters, and seat belts correctly.


Rear-Facing Car Seat: A rear-facing car seat offers the MOST protection to your child.

  • Children from birth to the highest weight or height allowed in the car seat instructions.
  • Best practice is for kids to remain rear-facing until at least 3 years old.


Forward-Facing Car Seat: A forward-facing car seat with harness and tethers is the second most protection for your child.

  • Children around 4 to 7 years old.
  • Best practice is to wait as long as possible before moving to a booster seat, and to ensure your child is mature enough to follow and understand car safety.


Booster Seat: A booster seat is used to prop a child up to ensure a seatbelt sits on the hips of a child rather than the soft stomach area and on the shoulder.

  • Children around 8 to 12 years old.
  • Best practice is for a child to continue to use a booster seat until they fit into a seatbelt correctly.


Seat Belt: A seat belt should be used for all passengers in a car; it is required by law for every person in the car to be wearing a seatbelt at all times.

  • Children between 9 to 12 years old.
  • Best practice is to check whether your child's back is against the seat, feet are flat on the floor without slouching, and the seat belt is snug across the hips and shoulder. Your child should be able to stay in this position for the entire ride.


Reminders:

  • Keep your child at each stage as long as possible! Each stage offers less protection than the stage before it.
  • Always check your car seat instructions to be sure your child is within the height and weight limits of their car seat.
  • We are here to help! Give us a call at 419-738-3410. 

Ohio's Child Restraint Laws

It is illegal for any child who is less than 8 years old to not be in a car seat or booster. All persons must be use a seat belt in a moving vehicle at all times.


Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.81 - Child Restraint System - Child Highway Safety Fund


Ages 0 to 4:

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 restraint system that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. 


Ages 4 to 8:

Any child who is less than 8 years of age and less than 4 feet 9 inches in height must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on 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.