The most important step you can take to protect your baby in the event of a traffic accident is to always place him in an appropriate child safety seat, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To adequately protect your baby, you need to choose the right seat for his size, install it properly and use it consistently.
Appropriate Seat
Until your baby is at least 1 year old and 20 lbs., he needs to ride in a rear-facing infant or convertible car seat, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is safest to keep your baby in the rear-facing position, which provides more protection for his head, until he reaches the height and weight limits set by the seat's manufacturer, according to the Nemours Foundation. When your child reaches the seat's size limit, you can switch to a forward-facing seat suitable for toddlers.
Proper Installation
Install your baby's car seat according to the manufacturer's directions, and make sure it fits tightly in your vehicle. You should not be able to wiggle the seat more than 1 inch in any direction at the belt path, according to the Nemours Foundation. If you cannot get the belt tight enough, try pressing your knee into the seat while you tighten and fasten the seat belt. Check the indicator on your rear-facing seat to make sure it is reclined far enough so your baby's head will not be forced forward. You can use a pool noodle or rolled towel to adjust the angle of the seat if necessary, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If the seat belt in your vehicle will not stay locked to secure the car seat, be sure to install a locking clip, which commonly comes packaged with new car seats.
Correct Use
When you put your baby in the car seat, make sure the harness straps are threaded through the slots just at or below his shoulders. Fasten the harness and make sure it fits snugly against your baby, and slide the harness clip until it is at mid-chest level, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep your baby secured in the car seat every time you travel. If you must take her out for soothing or feeding, find a safe place to pull over.
Considerations
Used car seats may not be safe for your baby. If the seat appears to be damaged or does not come with instructions or information about the manufacturer, you should not use it, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Do not use a seat that has been involved in a crash unless it was a minor accident. If you acquire a used seat, check with the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to see if it was ever recalled. When you buy a new seat, be sure to return the product registration card so you will be notified in the event of a recall.
Additional Help
If you need help installing your child's safety seat, or if you just want to have someone check your work, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or visit seatcheck.org to find child passenger safety seat inspection locations in your area.
Warning
Babies and children can be killed by air bags. Children younger than 13 years of age should always ride in the back seat, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that a rear-facing infant seat should never be placed in the front seat of a vehicle with an active air bag, because babies have died from brain injuries caused by inflating air bags.
