To ensure that your baby or child is being transported in the safest way possible, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, in collaboration with the Mattoon Police Department, is hosting Safe & Snug Car Seat Clinic from 1 to 3 pm Sunday, October 7, in the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education.
Car seat safety information will be provided by Mattoon police officer John Hedges who is also a certified car seat technician. Parents or expectant parents are asked to bring their child’s car seat installed in their vehicle (if possible). A car seat technician will assess it, ensuring that it is properly installed, and that it is the right seat for your child. A discussion and question and answer period will follow.
The state of Illinois requires that all children from birth through eight years old must be properly restrained in an appropriate car seat, and it should be checked by a state-certified car seat check to ensure it is properly installed. Because most children harmed during motor vehicle accidents are unrestrained or improperly restrained, these laws help encourage parents to protect their children.
The best time to attend is prior to 36 weeks of pregnancy, but all parents are welcome. Anyone who will be transporting your child is encouraged to attend. More than one car seat can be checked per family. The car seat clinic is free, but expectant and new parents must register. To pre-register, call the Office of Perinatal Education at Sarah Bush Lincoln at (217) 258- or 348-BABY (2229) or email Pamela Hood, RN, at phood@sblhs.org. Participants can also register online at www.sarahbush.org.