Car Seat Assistance

for Eligible Low Income Families

Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death
for children 14 years old and younger.

In an effort to reduce these preventable injuries, Columbus Public Health’s Car Seat Safety Program helps provide car seats and booster seats at a reduced cost to families in need.

Car Seats and Costs:

$30 Convertible Car Seat
(5 to 65 pounds)

$10 Booster Seats
(minimum, 4 years old
AND 40 pounds)

Children should remain rear facing until the maximum allowed by their convertible car seat.
Children generally need a booster seat until they are 8-12 years old.
*colors/styles/specific models vary based on availability.

Periodically, in conjunction with the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes Program supported by the Ohio Department of Health, Columbus Public Health receives car seats that can be distributed at no cost on a first come, first served basis.

Requirements:

Complete online education and attend scheduled appointment at Columbus Public Health

Receive government assistance (WIC, SNAP, CHIP, Medicaid, etc.)

Franklin County Resident

Not a resident of Franklin County? Click here to find resources in your county.

How to get a Car Seat at Columbus Public Health

To get a seat, income eligible families must attend a scheduled appointment (approximately 15-30 minutes) at Columbus Public Health (240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215). Video-based online education and in-vehicle instruction will be provided. In the video, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will educate on the safety features and proper installation of the car seat so that it can best protect your child. All seats are new; limited to one seat per child.

Pregnant or Expecting?

The ideal time to attend your car seat appointment is around 1-2 months prior to your expected delivery date. Keep this in mind when selecting a preferred day and time.

Registration and attendance are required to receive a car seat.

Click here to register

Need a Crib?

For information on the Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep Program,
call 614-645-3111.

Already Have a Car Seat?

80% of car seats and booster seats are not being used correctly. Get your car seat(s) checked by a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) to make sure yours isn’t one of them! Car seat safety checks are provided at no cost.

Click here to view local fitting stations where a CPST can assist you with your car seat installation. Or email CPH at carseatchecks@columbus.gov to schedule an appointment for a FREE car seat check at Columbus Public Health!