The goal of the Buckle Up program at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is to provide free and/or low-cost car seats and education about installation and proper usage to families in the Chicago area. Program staff are nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
The Buckle Up Program has four components: • Partner satellite distribution sites network. Federally qualified health centers, social service agencies and labor and delivery hospitals are provided with free car seats to distribute to their patients and clients. Partner sites must have a trained CPST on staff to help families with installation and usage. The Buckle Up program currently has 10 partner sites in our network.
• Community classes. Buckle Up program staff teach in -person car seat classes at various community centers, social service agencies and schools. Families can purchase a low-cost seat upon class completion.
• Weekly virtual car seat classes. Parents and caregivers learn about proper car seat usage. If they meet income requirements, they can purchase a low-cost seat (between $10-25 depending upon the type of seat required) at the program’s conclusion. We send the seat directly to their home. Classes are free of charge and offered in English and Spanish.
• Weekly car seat inspection appointments. Parents who attend a class or need help installing a car seat receive personalized in-person and/or virtual assistance. Inspections are free of charge and offered in English and Spanish.
