Every child under 4’9 should ride in a car or booster seat. Free booster seats and reduced-fee car seats are available through Safe Kids Lakeshore, a program of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. This opportunity is available for Ottawa County residents on WIC and/or Medicaid.

Families utilizing WIC and/or Medicaid may call the Ottawa County Health Department at (616) 393-5720 for financial screening and an appointment at a scheduled car seat inspection event.  Regardless of their financial status, any family needing a car seat check or that has questions may call Safe Kids Lakeshore at (616) 399-5184. 

Funding for seats is made possible by grants from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.  Visit www.devoschildrens.org for more information.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

As of July 1, Michigan law states that all children must be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall. 

There are various types of booster seats that will lift a child up so that the seatbelt fits properly.  You can choose a no-back booster that can be used when the child is tall enough to use the headrest in the back seat, or a high-back seat that supports both the head and neck.  All booster seats must have a lap/shoulder safety belt. 

It is important to note that all booster seats must be used in the backseat only and both the booster seat lap belt and car shoulder belt should be buckled to properly protect your child.

Booster seats are readily available at many retail stores and cost as little as $15.  For more information on the new booster seat law visit www.michigansafekids.org.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments