Nick Perkins Photo
Amber Jackson checks Justin Elicker’s car seats to ensure their safety.
After a pause for the pandemic, the city has restarted a program to show parents and caretakers how to install car seats for their small children.
Families can make appointments on Tuesdays from now through October to bring in their cars and car seats for advice on installing seats and how to secure children safely in them.
An estimated four out of five car seats are improperly installed, according to the city, which can cost children’s lives in crashes.
Children up to 2 years old and 30 pounds are supposed to be in rear-facing car seats; up to 5 years old and 40 pounds in forward-facing secured car seats; and up to 8 years old and 60 pounds in booster seats.
To make an appointment at the clinic call 203 – 946-4937 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
As part of a demonstration Tuesday to relaunch the program outside the health department on Meadow Street, Mayor Justin Elicker had his own car seats checked. Much to his relief the seats were said to be installed “perfectly.”
The city also has a limited number of car seats to give away to people who can’t afford them.
Charlie Carangelo, a member of the Waterbury Police Department and a 22-year car seat installation veteran, demonstrates the features of a car seat.
A really important and helpful program. So many things are coming at new parents when they are about to have their first child. Great to have a help in make sure the infant is safe!