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MEDICAID NOTICE: Lurie Children’s continues to serve all patients enrolled in Medicaid. As a safety-net hospital, we will continue providing high-quality care to every child who needs us.

AVISO SOBRE MEDICAID: Lurie Children’s continúa atendiendo a todos los pacientes inscritos en Medicaid. Como hospital perteneciente a la red de protección social, continuaremos brindando atención de alta calidad a cada niño que nos necesite.

Lurie Children’s Home Serving the CommunityPatrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy CommunitiesPromoting Injury Prevention and Sports Safety Buckle Up Program

Buckle Up Program

Keeping Kids Safe on the Road

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury for children, but simple steps like proper car seat use can save lives. At Lurie Children’s, the Buckle Up Program helps families stay informed and confident about car seat safety through education, resources, and personalized support.

 

How We Help

Buckle Up Community Workshops

These free, one-hour classes are taught by nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Caregivers learn how to:

  • Choose the right car seat for their child.
  • Install the seat properly for maximum safety.

Families with an Illinois Medical Card who register in advance may also purchase reduced-cost car seats and boosters.

Buckle Up Inspection Stations

During these free, 30-minute appointments, families receive one-on-one guidance from certified experts to ensure their child’s car seat is installed and used correctly.

Need help? Reach out!

Want to register for a workshop or schedule a car seat inspection with our team? Send us an email!

Email Us

Car Seat Education Videos

We’ve created step-by-step videos to help parents and caregivers understand everything from selecting the right seat to proper installation and transitioning as their child grows.

 

Illinois Car Seat Laws and Recommendations

Illinois law and expert recommendations prioritize your child’s safety at every stage:

  • Rear-Facing Seats: Required for children under 2 years old, unless they weigh 40+ pounds or are 40+ inches tall. Experts recommend keeping children rear-facing as long as possible for optimal protection.
  • Forward-Facing Seats: Use a harness seat until your child outgrows its weight or height limit.
  • Booster Seats: Children should use a booster until they are 4’9” and seat belts fit correctly across their hips and chest.
  • Seat Belts and Back Seats: Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat for added safety.

Each transition decreases a child’s level of protection, so it’s important to take your car seat to its limits before graduating to the next stage.

Extra Tips for Car Seat Safety

  • Register your car seat with the manufacturer to stay updated on recalls.
  • Avoid using car seats older than six years or past their expiration date.
  • Replace car seats after moderate or severe crashes.
  • Skip bulky coats under the harness; dress your child in thin layers and add blankets over the straps for warmth.
  • Never use a secondhand car seat unless you know its full history and all labels, parts, and instructions are intact.

For more information and expert recommendations, visit:

Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities