Ellen PhillipsQ: We're planning a long drive during the holidays to show off our new baby to the family. He'll obviously be strapped into a car seat, but what other safety tips we should know about before starting out?
- Meticulous Mommy
A: Dear Mommy: You are smart to plan ahead for your precious cargo's safety. Even the best of us can make mistakes; however, the trick is to avoid ones that can become life-threatening ... or worse. Thanks again to my ever-reliable source, ShopSmart, the strong arm of Consumer Reports.
1. Warm the car in cool weather, and wrap your baby in a blanket for quick removal instead of a coat. This way, you ensure his little body is the only item to be strapped in. If clothing or a blanket is placed under the baby, the chance of injury or even ejection in a crash worsens because the car seat harness loosens with the additional covers underneath. Instead, strap baby in tightly, then cover him with a blanket on top.
2. Position the harness straps for the rear-facing infant at or below the shoulders, which will stop him from moving upward in the event of a wreck. When he gets old enough to safely face the front, move the harness at or above the shoulders. At all times, check the straps to see if they need adjusting.
3. Don't neglect the chest clip. Too many people position the clip too low, which can result in the shoulder straps not fitting right. On the other hand, don't position the clip too high, either, which can make the child's breathing difficult. Armpit level is the proper placement and, again, check carefully throughout the trip to make certain the clip is where it should be.
4. It's crucial to attach the car seat's top tether to the car anchor. A 2013 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that the majority of parents didn't see the need for this attachment, even though it can drastically reduce the risk of head and body injuries. Obviously, education is a must.
5. Be very careful what you put in or around the seat to accompany your child. Especially with an older baby or toddler, it's very tempting to allow entertainment playthings. Unfortunately, many could become projectiles during a crash. It's far more practical and safe to securely store toys elsewhere. Invest in some cloth books or stuffed animals as your baby ages out of infancy. Certainly, if your vehicle contains a DVD player, kids will be safely entertained, at least for shorter amounts of time.
6. Even if you plan to fly rather than drive, take your own car seat. This will save you rental money at the other end of the flight, and you'll be familiar with its installation. Your baby will remain more comfortable as well.
Most airlines allow checked seats at the gate for free, and you can pick it up on the jetway after landing.
Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Contact her at consumer watch@timesfreepress.com.