The Children's Medical Center of Dayton is the region's pediatric referral center. Our pediatric experts and key community partners such as the Junior League of Dayton offer many programs such as the POWER Mobile to keep children safe.
Child safety seats are as important as your child's immunizations (baby shots) in protecting his or her life and health. Did you know that the greatest danger to children after they have reached two to three months of age is car accidents? Fortunately, serious injuries and deaths can be prevented simply by using a child safety seat or restraint that is appropriate for your child's age. Remember, children should use some kind of seat until they are 4'9" and weigh 80 pounds. At that time, they are ready to start using a regular seat belt. Strapping a small child (under 60 pounds) into a seat belt is not recommended, but it is better than no restraint at all.
Infant-only car safety seats (from birth to 20 pounds)
Infant-only safety seats must face the rear of the car when installed. Usually the center of the back seat is the safest place for your child. If you use the front seat and your car has an airbag on the passenger side, a rear-facing infant needs to ride in the back. Seats made for infants only must face backward no matter what your child weighs. Infant car safety beds are available for premature infants or infants who must lie flat for medical reasons. Your doctor needs to decide if your child should ride on his or her back or stomach The infant's head should face the center of the car when the seat is in place. Please check your car owner's manual for instructions on using the car bed in a car with airbags. (See the Resource section for more information on safely traveling with children who have special needs.)
Convertible safety seats (from birth to 40 pounds)
Convertible safety seats-those you can use for infants and toddlers-must face the rear of the car until the child weighs at least 20 pounds and is one year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping infants rear-facing to the limits of the seat (some seat's weight limits go as high as 35 pounds). This position protects the child's back, neck and head, and is very important for young children. Make sure the seat belt is routed correctly. There is only one correct way if the seat faces the rear and one correct way if it faces forward, although the way the belt is routed varies depending on the brand of seat you buy.
Booster seats
These are used when a convertible or toddler safety seat is outgrown. Children need to be in a booster seat until they are about 80 pounds or 4' 9" tall. If you are unsure as to whether your child needs to be in a booster, try this five step test:
Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
Is the lap belt centered on the tops of the thighs?
Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to ride safely in the car. Riding in a booster is more comfortable too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations:
Keep your child in a regular car safety seat as long as possible. A booster seat should be used for children who weigh more than 40 pounds and who are less than 4' 9" tall. Remember, the safest seat is one that your child will use every time he or she rides in the car. Make sure the seat you buy has easy-to-follow directions and can be taken in and out of the car easily. Children weighing more than 80 pounds or are at least 4' 9" tall are usually ready to be strapped into the car's lap and shoulder belts. Help your children develop this habit by setting a good example-use seat belts every time you get in the car for short and long trips.
Making friends with your child safety seat
Set a good example. If you buckle up, your child will want to be safe too. Praise your child often for riding in the safety seat or wearing a seat belt. For infants, comfort counts. Pad the sides of the seat with rolled towels or put a rolled towel between the crotch strap and the infant to prevent slouching. Restless toddlers may appreciate soft toys. Unattached toys will fall out of your child's reach or go flying during sudden stops. Let your two- and three-year-olds put stickers, names or racing stripes on their seat Make the seat their "special seat." Show your child how to buckle up their favorite stuffed animal or doll. Older children enjoy "feeling like a grown-up" by showing younger children how to use safety seats. Show them how they can set a good example. Children old enough to use seat belts should know what your rules are about using them. Try using reminder stickers for your children and their friends riding in your car. Never let a fussy child out of a safety seat or seat belt while the car is moving. Stop the car if he or she needs a break.
Resources
The Children's Medical Center of Dayton partners with Easter Seals to offer the Kids Are The Kids Are Riding Safe program. This program offers car seats to legal guardians who are on Medicaid or WIC.
