features
6
Car Seat Safety Tips
Make sure your child has a safe ride.
As
a family, you'll undoubtedly spend a lot of time in the car, traveling
from play dates to soccer matches, from the grocery store to Grandma's
house and back again. Here are some tips to make sure your child is
safe during these many trips:
1. Make sure
your child rides in the backseat. The backseat is generally the safest
place in a crash. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, it's essential
for children 12 and under to ride in back.
2. Make sure
infants ride facing the rear until they're about age 1 and at least
20 to 22 pounds. Infants who weigh 20 pounds before 1 year of age
should ride in a restraint approved for higher rear-facing weights.
Always read your child restraint owner manual for instructions on
properly using the restraint. Children over age 1 and at least 20
pounds may ride facing forward.
3. Check to see
that the safety belt holds the seat tightly in place. Put the belt
through the correct slot. If your safety seat can be used facing either
way, use the correct belt slots for each direction. The safety belt
must stay tight when securing the safety seat.
4. Make sure
the harness is buckled snugly around your child. Keep the straps over
your child's shoulder. The harness should be adjusted so you can slip
only one finger underneath the straps at your child's chest. Place
the chest clip at armpit level.
5. Have children
over 40 pounds use a booster seat. Keep your child in a safety seat
with a full harness as long as possible, until he's at least 40 pounds.
Then use a belt-positioning booster seat, which helps the adult lap
and shoulder belt fit better. A belt-positioning booster seat, used
with the adult lap and shoulder belt, is preferred for children weighing
40 to 80 pounds.
6. Check safety
belt fit on older children. The child must be tall enough to sit without
slouching, with knees bent at the edge of the seat, with feet on the
floor. The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs.
The shoulder belt should rest over the shoulder and across the chest.
Never put the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind her back.
The adult lap and shoulder belt system alone will not fit most children
until they're at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh about 80 pounds.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
