C-UPHD Child Passenger Safety Program
young girl



CU safe kids logo



C-UPHD Child Passenger Safety Program

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death to children ages 1 to 13

Car Seat Checkup Checklist
  • Right Seat. This is an easy one. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it's appropriate for your child's age, weight and height. Like milk, your car seat has an expiration date. Just double check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe.
  • Right Place. Kids are VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.
  • Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors. Continue to use a booster seat until your child properly fits in the seat belt, usually when they are between the ages of 8 and 12.
  • Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
  • Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child's shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you're good to go.

The checklist takes only 15 minutes to complete and provides important tips that will help parents ensure their car seat is used and installed properly.

Why Safe Kids?

Accidental injury is the number one killer of America's children, taking more lives than disease, violence and suicide. Prevention is the cure. It is estimated that by taking simple precaution, almost all (90 percent) of accidental injuries can be avoided.

Upcoming Events

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station
Second Monday of the Month 10am-2pm
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
Please call to schedule an appointment 217-353-4932

THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTION STATION IS A VERY POPULAR SERVICE IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE OFTEN EXPERIENCE A THREE TO SIX WEEK WAIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT. PLEASE SCHEDULE SOON!!!