Safety Tips
CAR SEAT SAFETY…
By: Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay,
Northeast Pediatrics
Published: July / August 2008
Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries
and death in children. Therefore, one of our biggest jobs as
parents is to keep our children safe as possible when driving them
around. Not only do we need to find the proper car seat, but we
also need to make sure it is installed properly. All states have
car seat and child safety laws, but all have different criteria.
In fact, Florida is one of the most lenient states when it comes
to safety. The different child restraint seats and criteria can be
overwhelming for parents. Here is a brief rundown on the
information.
First, your infant needs to be in a rear-facing car seat until one
year old AND 20 pounds. There are two types of rear-facing car
seats. Infant only seats are small and portable. The convertible
seat is bulkier but can later be used as forward facing. If your
child is not yet one year old but over 20 pounds, use the
convertible rear-facing car seat. Once the child is one years old
and 20 pounds, you can change the car seat to the forward
position. American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends
staying rear-facing until the child reaches the highest weight and
height allowed by the car seat. Your child should stay in a car
seat until he/she has outgrown it. The state of Florida allows a
child to be out of a car seat by 3 years old. Even though the law
allows it, please keep your child in the car seat until she
outgrows it!!! This means that he has reached the maximum weight
and height for the seat, his shoulders are above the top harness
slot, or his ears are above the top of the seat. Usually the child
is at least 4 years old before outgrowing it. Most other states
require the car seat until 5-6 years old. Remember the car seat
should be the 5 point harness, overhead shield, or T-shield
straps. A common mistake is to keep the harness straps loose, so
please let the straps fit snug.
The next stage is the booster seat. These seats are designed to
raise the child higher so the lap and shoulder belt fit
appropriately. The shoulder belt should cross over the shoulder
and through the mid chest. The lap belt should be snug across the
upper thigh, not over the abdomen. The child should remain in a
booster seat until the belt can fit them in that position without
needing to be raised. The state of Florida says children only need
to be in a booster seat until 5 years old. Again, most children do
not reach the height of 4 feet 9 inches or fit into the belt
properly until 8-12 years old. Therefore, the American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends the above criteria be used, not what the
state laws allows.
With the different types of seats discussed, here are a few other
tips about car safety. No one brand is the best. More expensive
does not always mean more safety. Try not to have used car seats
that you do not know its history, does not have a manufacturer
label, does not have instructions, has missing parts, was
recalled, has cracks, or has been in a car accident. For help with
installing any of your car seats, visit your local fire
department. Also, a child cannot use only a lap belt when in a
booster seat. Make sure your child wears the belt properly. Many
kids try to tuck the shoulder belt under the arms or behind the
back. This becomes even more dangerous for injuries. Never allow
kids to share a belt. Children 12 years and under should not be in
the front seat. Do not use any additional products to make the
seat fit better unless made by the car seat manufacturer for that
specific car seat. These include positioners for the infant seats.
Lastly, be a good role model and buckle up yourself.
Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, a Board
Certified Pediatrician and active member of the American Academy
of Pediatrics, graduated from the University of Miami six year
Honors Program in Medicine. If you have questions about this
article or your child email Dr. Bhumi at
drbhumi@northeastkids.com. We are accepting new patients
please call to get to know the doctor 526-PEDS |
