School’s out and the question everyone asks is – where will you go this summer? According to AAA road trips top the list this year. This Memorial Day Weekend was marked as the highest travel volume in 10 years…and that was just to kick-off the season. With many families hitting the road this summer and the upcoming 4th of July holiday, Safety 1st, a leader in car seat safety innovation, wants to make sure parents and children have a safe summer while on the go.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly. Here are some easy tips to think about before hitting the road.
The safest place to install a car seat is typically in the center of the rear seat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
Check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police station, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.
Where is Baby?
It may seem like common sense but never, leave a child alone in the car. Hyperthermia is a severe form of heat stroke and last year 30 children died after being left or trapped in a hot vehicle. You can learn more about this issue and easy tips to prevent it by watching the following video.
Safeguard the Car
Just as important as safe guarding your home, don’t forget about the car. Especially on long road trips. It’s important to eliminate projectiles, anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile. That could be a child’s toy, wet nap container, or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.
Make sure unused shoulder belts are not in reach of children as they can pose strangulation risk.
Car Seats Expire
Car seats expire. Especially if you get a hand-me-down car seat you should always check the expiration date to confirm the seat is safe for your child. You can find the expiration date on the back or the side of the car seat. Also, another very important tip – once a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it, plastic can warp and materials can fray. To properly dispose of a car seat check with your local waste management facility to see if they recycle number 5 plastic.
One car seat to consider for your summer travels is the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat. Its rear and forward facing from 5 – 100 pounds! The Grow and Go will be the first and last car seat parents and caregivers will need, making it simple to keep your little one safe in the backseat. In addition, the seat features side impact protection, a no rethread harness, buckle holders, two cup holders and an easily removable seat cover. The Grow and Go is exclusively available for $169.99 at Babies ‘R’ Us.
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Let’s discuss: What plans do you have for the summer?