Baby's First Ride

It's that magical day. You're taking your baby home from the hospital and you want to be sure you've selected the right car seat for maximum safety protection.

Newborns & Infants

Be sure to use rear facing car seat in the back seat until baby is at least one year old AND 20 lbs.

Never place baby in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag.

Shoulder harness heights should be at or below the child's shoulder in this rear facing position.

Read the instructions for your car seat and be sure to keep them with the car seat at all times. Most seats have a place designated for storing these instructions.
    Also, be sure to read your vehicle owners manual to learn about any individual conditions or cautions the manufacturer wants to point out. Each vehicle owner's manual has a section related to using car seats in that vehicle.

While babies and children may fall asleep riding in a car seat, it's best not to allow them to sleep in one when not traveling in the vehicle.

Car seats are engineered for crash safety and should be used for their intended purpose.

When you arrive at your destination, remove your child from the seat and use a crib or bassinet for sleeping.

When you are out and about, remember the importance of having a stroller with the ability to recline into a flat position and rated for use from birth for maximum safety.

Never tend to a baby's need while driving. Pull over safely, park the vehicle and for baby's first few rides, have someone else ride or drive

While it is nice to take advantage of gracious hand-me-downs, especially car seats, strollers, toys and cribs, it's vital to be sure previously used items have the latest safety features, have not been recalled and are in useable condition. For car seats it is very important to know the history to be sure it was never involved in a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1-888-327-4236 or www.nhtsa.gov) will provide a list of all recalled car seats.
For strollers and other children's products check with The Consumer Product Safety Commission (800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov)

The stroller you choose will be carrying your little bundle of joy!
A good stroller can be your best friend for wheeling baby around town; choosing the right one will avoid trouble and inconvenience. Before buying, check the safety features, harness and brakes.

Harness

Look for a five point harness. This goes around the child's waist, between the legs, and over both shoulders. It ensures that the child stays secure and that they can't wiggle out.

Remember to use the harness at all times!

Brakes

Test the foot brakes to make sure they are stable. If your model has a hand brake, be sure to test that as well.

When stopping on a hill, always remember to set the brakes on your stroller, even if you are just stopping for a moment. Front wheels lock to keep stroller from turning downhill while parked sideways.

Don't forget these important tips:

When you are in a parking lot make sure that the stroller is always next to you while unlocking the car.

Put the child into their car seat before storing the stroller.

Before crossing a street position the stroller completely out of the street and make sure you are safely on the curb.

Check your stroller to make sure it is completely opened and in the locked position before putting your child in it.

Make it a habit to push down on the seat of the stroller with your hand to be sure it is safe for your child.

What should you, as a caregiver, expect from a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)?

The one-on-one education of a safety check usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the car seat and the vehicle. The CPST should take all the time necessary to ensure that you feel competent and confident in re-securing the car seat into the vehicle and re-buckling your child into its car seat on your own.
Card your tech! Ask to see proof of his or her current certification.

During the check up, a competent CPST will:

Fill out a checklist form (including car seat type, location in vehicle, misuse observations, if any, etc.).

Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, size, and review factors affecting proper use.

Review the restraint manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual with the caregiver and ensure that both are being followed correctly.

Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used, especially when using LATCH.

Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.

      • If the seat is unsafe, you should replace the seat since it may not work as it should in a crash.

Show what is correct or will be corrected before making the adjustment.

Have you install the car seat(s) correctly using either the seat belt or LATCH system. Feel free to ask to learn how to install the seat with either options or in different seating positions.

Discuss the next steps for each child, such as when to move to the next type of restraint:

      • Rear- to forward-facing car seat
      • Forward-facing harnessed seat to a booster seat
      • Booster to an adult safety belt

Discuss the benefits for everyone, including all adults, to riding properly restrained.

Discuss safety in and around the vehicle (never leaving kids unattended, walking around the vehicle before moving, etc.)

Discuss your state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant safety.

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