Buckle Up!

With the holiday season upon us, families will be traveling more than usual and safety should be the highest priority on our minds.  A very important factor is how safely our children travel.

When riding in a care a child should be properly restrained to prevent death or serious injury.  More than half of the children who die in car crashes would be alive if they had been properly restrained.

What happens in a crash or a sudden stop to a baby in its mother's arms?  If the mother is not belted, she and the baby move forward together, and her body crushes the child.  If the baby is belted, it is pulled from her arms.  In a 30 mile-per-hour crash, the baby will be stopped with the same force as if dropped three stories.

Choosing the best car seat:

• Make sure it has a label certifying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• The car seat is less than 6 years old
• Has not been involved in a prior crash or incident
• Has no recall notices

Three types of seats:

• Infant seats - back facing - from birth to 20 - 35 lbs
• Convertible car seats - front facing - must be over 20 lbs

• Booster seats - front facing - for children over 40 lbs

Regular seat belts should be used when child reaches 4'9", 60-80 lbs, 8-10 yrs

Regardless of the seat that is chosen, read the directions carefully and follow them closely.  For more information on car seat safety, contact the National Safety Council or go to www.fitforakid.org.