Baby Safety in the Car
When out on the road, expect the unexpected. Follow these tips to keep your family safe. Did you know that traffic accidents are still a leading cause of death and injury in children? Keep your precious cargo safe and reduce your chances of becoming another statistic.
- ALWAYS use a car seat when transporting your child in the car.
- Studies show that 4 out of 5 car seats are not installed properly. Get your car seat inspected to make sure yours is not one of the four. Call your local police/fire station or visit seatcheck.org for a certified technician near you.
- Ensure that your child is within the height AND weight regulations of your car seat.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies remain in a rear- facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old and/or have reached the height or weight limit of the convertible car seat. Take home message...the longer a baby can ride rear- facing, the better.
- Never leave your child unattended in the car, not even for a moment.
- To prevent serious injury and/or death from air bags, never place a child younger than the age of 12 in the front seat. If you must place a child in the front seat, be sure to turn off the air bags.
- Secure all loose items. In the event of an accident, these items could become projectile and cause serious injury and/or death.
- Do not attend to your baby while driving. If your baby needs your attention, pull over and appease them before continuing your trip.
- Stay focused and keep your eyes on the road. Looking at your baby in the mirror, texting, talking on the phone, eating and other dangerous activities could put you, your baby and your family at risk.
- Be sure everyone in the car buckles up....seat belts save lives!
The dangers of the road seem amplified now that you have an especially fragile package strapped to your backseat, but stay vigilant and you'll be fine. Happy travels!
Read More: Baby Safety in the Car
- ALWAYS use a car seat when transporting your child in the car.
- Studies show that 4 out of 5 car seats are not installed properly. Get your car seat inspected to make sure yours is not one of the four. Call your local police/fire station or visit seatcheck.org for a certified technician near you.
- Ensure that your child is within the height AND weight regulations of your car seat.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies remain in a rear- facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old and/or have reached the height or weight limit of the convertible car seat. Take home message...the longer a baby can ride rear- facing, the better.
- Never leave your child unattended in the car, not even for a moment.
- To prevent serious injury and/or death from air bags, never place a child younger than the age of 12 in the front seat. If you must place a child in the front seat, be sure to turn off the air bags.
- Secure all loose items. In the event of an accident, these items could become projectile and cause serious injury and/or death.
- Do not attend to your baby while driving. If your baby needs your attention, pull over and appease them before continuing your trip.
- Stay focused and keep your eyes on the road. Looking at your baby in the mirror, texting, talking on the phone, eating and other dangerous activities could put you, your baby and your family at risk.
- Be sure everyone in the car buckles up....seat belts save lives!
The dangers of the road seem amplified now that you have an especially fragile package strapped to your backseat, but stay vigilant and you'll be fine. Happy travels!
Read More: Baby Safety in the Car