This week was Child Passenger Safety Week, and Officer Craig stopped by the ELC to say hello! He greeted our preschoolers and families at arrival and helped remind us how important it is to ride safely every day.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois law requires that all children under the age of eight being transported in a motor vehicle must be properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint system. There are four types of car seats for your child: rear-facing, forward-facing, all-in-one, and the booster, with each best suited to protect a child based on their age and size.
Step one: Infants face the back until they reach their car seat’s height or weight limit. By law in Illinois, as of Jan. 1, 2019, children must ride rear-facing until at least age 2.
Step two: Toddlers (age 2+) face the front in seats with a harness and top tether until they reach their car seat’s height or weight limit.
Step three: Bigger kids use booster seats until close to 4’9”. By law in Illinois, kids must ride in a booster seat until at least age 8. Remember, children under age 13 should ride in the back seat.
Step four: Everyone buckles up in every seating position, for life!
Families can take advantage of a few great resources:
- Free car seat installation checks are available at Advocate Children’s Hospital to be sure seats are snug and secure. You can make an appointment by calling 708.684.7019 or click HERE to go to their website for more information on car seats for children with special needs, safety tips and installation.
- Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event is happening now! Drop off your old car seat and receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus for a new car seat, stroller or baby gear, now through October 4th. Click HERE for more details.
Let's keep our Little Lion's safe, and make sure they are riding in the right seat every time!