One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Massachusetts state law requires that all children under age 8 and less than 57 inches tall be properly fastened and secured in a federally approved car seat or booster seat. Boston Medical Center recognizes and uses the CDC’s Child Passenger Safety recommendations. Boston Medical Center requires all newborns leaving the hospital have an appropriate car seat prior to discharge home.
The Division of Trauma partners with the Public Safety Office to provide child safety seat installation and inspection free of charge. Public Safety officers are trained CPSTs (Child Passenger Safety Technicians) who have been certified in correct installation of child safety seats and are re-certified every two years.
- Secure children in appropriate child restraint systems
- Install child restraint systems in multiple types of vehicles
- Educate others on how to correctly install child restraint systems in vehicles and how to properly restrain children in motor vehicles
- Organize, coordinate or assist at inspection stations and checkup events
If you would like to schedule a car seat installation, please call Public Safety at 617.414.4444.
For more information about this program, please contact the Director of Injury Prevention, Lisa Allee, LICSW at: 617.414.8007.
Child Car Seat Safety Resources
Explore these sites to see what car seat will be best for you!
Below are some resources for car seat education and installation other than BMC, or call Boston EMS at 617.343.6891.
- City of Boston: How to Schedule a Car Seat Check
- NHTSA Car Seats and Booster Seats - Installation Help & Inspection
Life Saving Facts About Car Seat Safety