WVU Medicine Golisano Children's

A Critical Service: Injury Prevention and Safety

At WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, our Injury Prevention and Safety Program is here to help keep your child safe, at home, on the road, and in the community. Accidental injuries are the leading cause of serious harm and death in kids ages 1 to 19. Many of these injuries are preventable with the right tools, knowledge, and support.

The Injury Prevention and Safety Program provides:

  • Car seat safety education including free inspections and hands-on help with installations
  • Loaner and replacement car seats for families in need or after a motor vehicle crash
  • One-on-one bedside education and safety guidance after an injury
  • Specialty car seat support for children with medical or developmental needs
  • Community events and small group classes

Our certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available by appointment for both patients and community members.

Car Seat Safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all parents and caregivers observe the following car seat safety guidelines:

  • Keep all children in a rear-facing position as long as possible, up to the limits of the seat or until the child reaches a minimum age of two years of age.
  • All children should ride in a forward-facing seat, up to the limits of the seat or until at least five years of age.
  • Older children should ride in a booster seat until they can pass the 5 Step test, or until child is at least four feet, nine inches tall
  • Lap and shoulder belts are required for all children, booster seat age and older.
  • Must be 13 years of age to ride in the front seat.

Child Passenger Safety Resources:

Safe Sleep for Babies

WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital proudly partners with Cribs for Kids and WV Our Babies: Safe and Sound to ensure that our families and patients are equipped with the most up-to-date Safe Sleep education and resources available.

  • Always follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep: Alone, Back, Crib
  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface: no pillows, toys, or loose bedding
  • Avoid bed-sharing and sitting devices (bouncers, swings, etc.)
  • No smoking during pregnancy or around infants
  • Dress babies lightly; use sleep sacks instead of blankets
  • Pacifiers can reduce the risk of SIDS (after breastfeeding is established)
  • Breastfeeding also reduces SIDS risk

Safe Sleep Resources:

Additional Resources and Contact Information

The WVU Medicine Critical Care & Trauma Institute provides community outreach services, free car seat installation and inspection, and several injury prevention programs for children and families.

Contact Information

Additional Injury Prevention resources: