Car Safety For Babies

 

 

  

 

 

  

Car Safety For Babies

  • Every year children die or are seriously injured in car accidents.
  • Some of these deaths and injuries happen because the child is not wearing a child or baby restraint or seat belt.
  • Even when driving a short distance - around the corner or to the shops - make sure everyone is 'buckled up'. It's the law and it is your responsibility to see that everyone in your car wears seat belts or is in a safety harness.
  • Child restraints are 80 to 90 percent effective in reducing deaths and injuries when used properly.
  • Cars manufactured after 1976 should be able to have seat belts and child restraints fitted - vans after 1987.
  • Getting children into restraints:
    • Think safety even before your baby is born.
    • Buy or hire an approved baby-travelling capsule. You can get more information from your maternity hospital, Kidsafe, motoring organisations or your local council.
    • Your first trip in a car will be going home from hospital - with the baby in its approved capsule.
    • When your baby is five to six months old an approved car seat will be necessary. Babies and toddlers must be SNUGLY strapped in. If they are not, they are not protected. Make sure the straps are not twisted. If you have to travel in a car without a proper child restraint, ALWAYS travel in the back seat, NEVER in the front. Older infants could use the centre lap strap.
    • Children should NEVER share a seat belt with an adult or another child.
    • Talk to your toddler and children about the importance of wearing seat belts in cars.
    • Set a good example. Always have your belt secured before every trip. Children like to copy adults. It makes them feel grown up.
    • Make it a rule that the car stays still until everyone is securely strapped in.
    • Ignore cries to take off the belts. Tell your children what a good job they are doing and how grown up they are.
    • Tapes, books, songs and games help distract children. Pointing out interesting things along the way makes the drive more fun.
    • Never leave any child alone in a car without an adult. Make sure windows are open and there is enough air in the car.

 

 

  

 

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

  
 

Safety For Babies :: Safety Indoors For Babies :: Poisons And Medicines For Babies
Safety Outdoors For Babies :: Car Safety For Babies :: Sudden Infant Death Syndromes
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