Car Seat Safety
Car seat safety is critical for protecting newborn babies during every car ride. As a midwife, here are the top tips to ensure your baby’s safety:
Use a Rear-Facing Car Seat
Newborns should always ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least age 2 or until they reach the maximum height and weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Rear-facing seats provide optimal support for a baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.Install the Car Seat Properly
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The car seat should be tightly secured using either the seat belt or the LATCH system, with no more than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.Position the Harness Correctly
The harness straps should be at or just below the baby’s shoulders and snug enough so you cannot pinch any slack at the shoulder. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level to keep the harness in place.Avoid Bulky Clothing
Dress your baby in thin layers and avoid bulky coats or blankets under the harness. After securing the baby, you can cover them with a blanket or put a coat over the harness for warmth.Use a Car Seat Approved for Newborns
Choose an infant car seat designed for newborns that includes sufficient padding and support, especially around the head and neck.Never Leave Baby Unattended in the Car Seat
A car seat is designed for travel, not for prolonged sitting. Never leave a newborn alone in the car seat, whether inside or outside of the car.Register Your Car Seat
Register the car seat with the manufacturer to receive important safety updates or recall notifications.
Following these tips will help ensure your newborn is safe and secure while traveling by car. If you have any questions about car seat choices or installation, your midwife or pediatrician can provide guidance.
Midwife Mary is a car-seat expert and holds classes regularly on car seat safety from newborn to infancy and through toddlerhood. Reach out today to schedule your meetup and safety class.