April 4, 2008, Newsletter Issue #111: Baby Car Seats

Tip of the Week

Have fun bouncing a baby on your knee, but not around your vehicle! Most law enforcement agencies offer safety tips for parents desiring to keep their babies secure while car traveling. Many agencies, including fire departments, child services and even car dealerships, offer free car seat safety clinics. Car seat safety experts guide you through the twenty key safety points for baby car seat installation at no cost. Simply call the agency closest to you and set up a car seat inspection appointment.

A few things to keep in mind with regards to baby car seat safety include: Use the harness setting that is closest to your infant's body, but not underneath it. Make sure that the car seat harness fits tightly over the shoulders and between the legs of your baby, with no more than two fingers of space between the straps and the baby's body. If there is extra space around the infant's body in the baby car seat, use a rolled-up blanket for support, tucking behind the head and shoulders. Be sure that the car seat you're purchasing is appropriate for your baby's height, weight and age. Keep the straps in the slots at or below baby's shoulders for the rear-facing position. Position your baby to ride in a semi-reclined position at 45 degrees from horizontal. Utilize a tube or rolled towel underneath the seat to adjust the car seat to the correct reclining angle.

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