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A Secure Fit for Safe Travel

Did you know that more than 50% of all infant/child car seats are improperly secured in automobiles. Having a infant/child brings many joys and requires much responsibility on the part of the parent. In the twentieth century where automobiles are the most common mode of transportation, it is the responsibility of parents to be aware of the dangers. Parents need to know where, how to sit the infant/child and what to secure them in.

Vehicles that have passenger side air bags are dangerous for infants and children under the age of 12. Infants and children may be struck during the high energy deployment of the airbag causing severe head and neck trauma and possibly death. Incidence of injury increases dramatically when children are improperly restrained. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants ride rear facing to at least age one and at least 20 lbs to decrease incidence of neck and spinal injury. All children are safer in the rear seat of any vehicle. Positioning of the infant or child once they are in place is just as important as where they are placed.

Adjusting Infant/Child Restraints

Infants must be reclined 45⁰ to prevent the babys head from falling forward. Too great of an angle and the infant could slide out of the seat forward (head first).
Forward facing children should be in an upright position which is preferred to the semi-reclined position that some child car seats offer.
Routinely adjust car seat harness according to type of clothes and size of infant/child.

Vehicle Fit

Be sure seat can fit in rear seat
Use appropriate belt path on car seat to provide snug fit (read instructional)
When fastened, car seat shouldnt move more than one inch forward or sideways

Tips for Better Installation

Avoid slippage, use a rubberized pad on smooth seats
If the restraint has more than one belt path, use the path that provides the best fit.

Once your child is both over 40 lbs. and more than four years old, you aren't required to have a car seat. However, because a five-year-old is really too small for an adult-size seatbelt, riding without a booster seat will mean increased risk of chest and neck injuries.. Booster seats are designed to ensure the seatbelt is positioned safely.

When your child has outgrown a booster seat and when the safety belts fit safely fitting them into the belt correctly is critical. It is still safest to have young children ride in the back seat. Young children should never ride where there is an airbag.

Safe Seat Belt Fit

Buttocks against the seat and back to avoid forward leaning
Lap belt across the top of thighs, not over abdomen (booster seat needed if child has to slouch to place knees over edge of seat
Shoulder belt over the collar bone and across center of the chest (under arm or behind back placement can cause serious injury)

Whether you have an Infant or Child, car seats, booster seats or lap/shoulder restraints are all effective ways to help minimize injury during vehicular accidents only if used properly. If you are unsure of how to effectively use a safety restraint in your vehicle, please reference the products user manual, contact the manufacturer of the safety restraint or vehicle, or the local police department for assistance. Take the time to value the life of your children and dont take their safety as a passenger in a vehicle for granted. Be sure of a secure fit for safe travel.