injury prevention

book a car seat check

Child safety seats are as important as your child's immunizations in protecting his or her life and health. Did you know that the greatest danger to children older than age one is car accidents? Fortunately, serious injuries and deaths can be prevented simply by using a child safety seat or restraint that is appropriate for your child's age, height and weight.

Dayton Children’s conducts monthly car seat checks by appointment as well as car seat checks in the community throughout the year to help you keep your child riding safely.

During a car seat inspection, your car seat will be checked for recalls. Then the technician will work with you to make sure your car seat is properly installed in your vehicle. Most car seat checks take 30 to 45 minutes.

If you are expecting a child, we will be happy to help you install your seat and answer any questions you have before your child's arrival.

learn more about the car seat safety program

One way we reach out into the community is by leading the local Safe Kids Greater Dayton coalition. Safe Kids Greater Dayton is one of more than 300 state and local coalitions formed as part of Safe Kids Worldwide. Safe Kids Worldwide is the first national organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury. The campaign was launched in 1988 to address what was then a little recognized problem: More children younger than age 14 were being killed by what people call "accidents" (motor vehicle crashes, fires and other injuries) than by any other cause.

The goal of Safe Kids Greater Dayton is to serve in a leadership role in the education of parents/care givers, children, educators, health care providers, public and private organizations, legislators and the community about the impact of childhood injuries. The Coalition covers seven counties including Butler, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren.

Through community events and injury prevention programs, Safe Kids Greater Dayton plays an active role in engaging children and adults in safety education.

To learn more visit safekids.org

To learn more about Safe Kids Greater Dayton or to become a new member contact Abbey Pettiford at pettiforda@childrensdayton.org or at 937-641-5853.

Wheeled sports are a great way to have fun, get active and enjoy the outdoors, but they can be dangerous!

Every year approximately 700 kids get hurt and visit Dayton Children’s emergency department with injuries from ATV’s, bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled activities.

With the "this is how we roll" campaign, Daytonc Children's and Safe Kids Greater Dayton is sharing information about how to stay safe on every ride!

Learn more about the this is how we roll safety campaign 

To request helmets please use our helmet request form at least 4 weeks prior to a scheduled event.

As safety is the highest priority at Dayton Children's Hospital, we also want to ensure the safety of your baby at home. In 2022, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their safe sleep recommendations. Below are several resources to guide you in making an informed decision on your infant's safe sleep.

• 2022 updated recommendations explained by Dayton Children's 
• Safe sleep video 
• How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained