Buckle Up Boston

Keep your child safe on every car ride.

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Why Do Car Seats Matter?

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death in children under 14. Many of these deaths are preventable. According to the National Institute of Health, securing children into properly installed car seats reduces their fatality rates by more than 70%.

Boston EMS believes that 9 out of 10 car seats are incorrectly installed in resident vehicles. As one of the US cities with the highest collision rates it is vital that children have properly fitted car seats. The best way to ensure that your child is safe inside a car is to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, watch the Safe Kids car seat videos, and create an appointment with one of the several healthcare facilities that offer free car seat checks.

To Schedule a Car seat installation reach out to our partners:

Boston Medical Center provides free child safety seat installation and inspections. Call (617) 414-4444 to schedule with a public safety officer.
Boston Children's Hospital's Child Passenger Safety Program offers car seat installation by certified safety technicians. The program also provides car seats and booster seats for income-eligible families that receive care at their facilities. To learn for about receiving a car seat or request an installation call (617) 355-7332.
Boston EMS also provides free car seat checks and installations. They also offer educational resources on picking the right seat for your child and teach you how to properly buckle them in. To schedule a safety seat appointment for your kid please call (617) 343-6891.

Local fittings are limited, but your child's car seat manufacturer is always available to help install a booster or car seat. Many manufacturers provide virtual guidance. Visit the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association for more information.

1010 Massachusetts Ave

2nd Floor

BOSTON, MA 02118
617-534-2529
injuryprevention@bphc.org

Never Leave a child in a vehicle unattended

Child Passenger Safety Recommendations

Buckle-up for every drive.

Choose the right seat based on your child's age, weight, height, and development. Check the car seat manufacturer instructions for the age, height, and weight limits of each seat.

For more information download the Buckle Up Boston Guide.

Most convertible car seats have height and weight limits that allow children to ride rear-facing longer.
Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until they're 3 and in the back seat until they turn 13.

Dress your child in nothing thicker than a sweatshirt in their car seat. Place your child's coat or blanket over them for warmth.
Only move your child to the next car seat when they outgrow the weight or height limit.
Never add accessories to your child's car seat that did not come with it.
Seat belts should lie flat across the upper thighs, and snuggly across the chest and shoulder.
Never leave your child in the car alone, even for a short period of time.
Lead by example and always wear your seat belt.

MA Sate Requirements

Children must be properly secured in a federally approved child passenger restraint until 8 years old OR over 57 inches tall.
Children ages 8 through 12 must wear a properly fastened safety belt.
A police officer can stop your vehicle if a child age 12 or under is not properly restrained.
Children under the age of 13 must stay in the back seat of a moving vehicle.
Visit Massachusetts Car Seat Safety for more information

Recommendations for keeping kids safe in car seats. Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible and in the back seat until they turn 13. Only move your child to the next car seat when they outgrow the weight or height limit. Never add accessories to your child's car seat that did not come with it. Seat belts should lie flat across the upper thighs, and snuggly across the chest and shoulder. Dress your child in nothing thicker than a sweatshirt and add blankets over top

Seasonal Safety Information

Heatstroke

Heatstroke begins when your internal body temperature reaches 104 degrees. A child left in a car can reach an internal temperature of 104 degrees 3-5 times faster than an adult. The inside temperature of a car can increase by 20 degrees in 20 minutes and reach a deadly rate within an hour. A cracked window will not slow the heating process enough to prevent heatstroke nor will parking in the shade. To prevent heatstroke or death, always take your child with you when exiting your car, even if it's "just for a second".

Watch a simulation of rapid and extreme car heating

Hypothermia

Hypothermia begins when your body loses heat faster than your body can create heat to keep you warm. Children lose heat much faster than adults and are at higher risk of hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include: cold skin, shivering, low energy, drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, exhaustion, and poor coordination.

Turning on the heat can reduce the risk of hypothermia, especially in the winter. Make sure to dress your children in warm clothing and apply anything thicker than a sweatshirt over top of the buckles. Keeps kids, especially young ones inside while warming the car in winter and NEVER leave them alone in the car, even if the heat is on.

Remember, Heat-Related Car Deaths Happen in Every Season and Weather Condition.