Keeping babies safe is always on a parent's mind. So take a look at these simple tips to make sure you know how to travel safely with your baby in the car.
Keeping babies safe is always on a parent's mind. So take a look at these simple tips to make sure you know how to travel safely with your baby in the car.
- Newborn babies and babies who weigh up to 20 pounds must travel in a rear-facing car seat. This ensures that their necks, spine, and head are always protected.
- If you would like to see your baby's face, there are mirrors available that can be positioned so you can see your baby through the rear-vision mirror.
- Make sure that the infant seat is in a reclined position so that your baby's breathing isn't obstructed and to make sure that their head doesn't fall too far forward.
- Check to see that all car seat handles are down.
- Secure infant seats in the car using the LATCH connections. LATCH stands for: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. These have belts which connect the base to metal anchors in a car.
- Make sure that the harnesses fit your baby snugly and are positioned in the slots at or just below the shoulders.
- Never put one of these car safety seats in the front of a car. The back is the safest place.
- Look for seats which have the five-point harness system. These have straps for thighs, two straps for over the shoulders and a crotch strap.
- Never let an older child place your baby in a car safety seat - an adult must always make sure that a baby is safely buckled in.
- Always read the owners manual and the accompanying instructions BEFORE installing. Make sure you follow all the steps.
- Allow at least 30 minutes to correctly install a car seat. Grab a friend to help out!
- After installing the car seat check that it's securely in place by pushing it hard. It shouldn't move more than 1 inch in any direction. If it does you'll need to re-adjust and check it again.
- It's a good idea to check the seat whenever your child is using it. It only takes a few seconds and considering it's your baby's safety at risk it's time well spent.
Read article at SixtySecondParent.com
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