Car Seat and Booster Seat Safety
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DO'S
- Read and Understand use and installation instructions.
- Practice buckling car seat in car before infant/todller's first ride.
- Have infant ride rear facing until 1 year AND 22-23 pounds.
- Toddlers need to ride in a Booster seat until age 7 and 41 pounds.
- Adjust harness, leaving no more than one finger width between harness and shoulder, placing clip at arm pit level.
- Buckle harness around infant FIRST, then put protection from weather over infant.
- Check harness and seatbealt EVERY TIME, adjust as needed.
DON'TS
- DO NOT buy or borrow a used car seat from a second hand store or friend, you do not know its history! Do not use a car seat that is 5-7 years or older. (Some car seats and booster seats have expiration dates, check the label.)
- DO NOT let an infant sleep in the car seat when not in the car.
- DO NOT keep handle of infant seat up in car, put in DOWN position.
- DO NOT place a child of 12 years or younger in the front of a car with a passenger air bag.
- DO NOT leave infant or children in car unattended, even for a minute! A good reminder is to put your purse or errands by the car seat.
TIPS
- Read vehicle owners manual - section on car seats.
- TO CHECK FOR A TIGHT FIT - of car seat or high back booster, in car - Pull the seat forward and push it from side to side. IF the seatbelt loosens or the base of the safety seat slides forward or sideways MORE than ONE inch - your child may not be well protected.
- If you cannot attach your car seat, booster seat tightly - have it inspected by a trained professional or call the Auto Safety Hotline @ 1-800-424-9393.
- EASTERN IDAHO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER has trained technicians happy to check your car saet before discharge, check with your nurse for availability.
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