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Health Services – Kids Safety Seats

The K.I.S.S. Car Seat Program provides information, equipment, and resources for parents and families on car seats and child passenger safety.

Image of caregiver strapping a child into a rear facing car seat. The banner also includes the Safe Kids Carroll County logo and says: "Car seat services are by appointment only. Call to schedule your appointment at: 410-876-4448."

Car Seats to Loan or Buy

Some people are eligible for a low-cost loaner car seat. Reduced priced car seats are also available for purchase.

Who can get services?

To get a loaner car seat, you must provide proof of WIC, Temporary Cash Assistance, or Medical Assistance.

How do I get services?

Call 410-876-4448 for an appointment. No walk-ins.

Hours

Call between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m (Monday through Friday).

Cost

The cost to borrow a car seat is $30 for a set period of time. The seat must be returned to the Health Department on the date stated on the contract. However, the contract can be extended at no additional cost.

Some car seats are also available for purchase at a reduced price. Please call for availability.

All car seats are federally-approved.

Car Seats Checks

Seat checks are by appointment only and a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can check your car seat to make sure it is installed securely and safely.

Maryland’s Child Passenger Safety Law

  • Maryland’s Child Passenger Safety Law (effective October 1, 2022) requires that children under eight years old ride in an appropriate child safety seat* according to the vehicle and child restraint instructions, unless the child is 4’9” or taller.     
  • Children must ride rear-facing until at least age two.
  • Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle’s seat belt, in every seating position in the vehicle.

Note:

  • The law applies to the transportation of a child in a motor vehicle registered, or capable of being registered in Maryland as: Class A (passenger), Class E (truck) or Class M (multipurpose) vehicles. 
  • The law is applicable to in-state and out-of-state vehicles.  
  • It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all occupants under 16 are correctly buckled up.

* Child safety seat includes: harnessed car seats and belt positioning booster seats and other federally approved safety devices.

Car Seat Safety Information

Infants Up to Age 2

Infants should ride facing the back of the vehicle (rear-facing) until they reach the maximum weight or height of the seat. The typical infant-only (carrier style) seat may be used to 22 pounds. Some newer infant-only seats have weight limits of 30−35 pounds.
Once a child outgrows the infant-only seat, a rear-facing convertible seat should be used. Very young children are 76% safer when they ride rear-facing up to the age of two. Always check the car seat instruction manual or labels for specific weight and height limits.

Young Children

Young children should ride in a seat facing the front of the vehicle to the maximum weight and height allowed by the seat. The longer children ride in a seat, the safer they will be. Many seats now have 40−80 pound forward-facing harness systems to allow older children to continue riding in a harness system.
All harness straps should be snug and flat. Check the owner’s manual to see which set of shoulder slots should be used. The clip holding the straps together should be level with the underarms.

Booster Seats

Many children still need a booster seat, even after reaching age 8. To decide whether or not your child can safely ride without a booster seat, answer the following questions:
• Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat?
• Do his/her knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?
• Does the shoulder belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
• Is the lap belt low on the hips, touching the thighs?
• Can the child stay seated in that position for the entire ride?
If you answered “no” to any of the questions, the child should remain in the booster seat.
Children under 13 are safest in the back seat.
ALWAYS Buckle Up- Every Person, Every Ride, Every Seating Position.

For More Information on Car Seats

How to Obtain Services

Who can get services?

Anyone.

 

How do I get services?

Call 410-876-4448 for an appointment. We cannot take walk-ins.

 

Hours

Call between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m (Monday through Friday) for an appointment.

 

Cost

Call for eligibility and fees.