Free Advice On Car Safety Seats For Babies And Toddlers

ANNE ARUNDEL, MD - From the Anne Arundel County Department of Health: The Anne Arundel County Department of Health offers a free Baby Care Kit that contains information about child car safety seats for infants and toddlers. The kit also contains other health and safety information for pregnant women, parents and caregivers. County residents can order the kit on the Department of Health’s website, www.aahealthybabies.org.

Car seats prevent serious injuries and even death. Maryland law requires that all children under age 8 be in a car seat or booster seat while riding in a vehicle unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches or over 65 pounds.

The Baby Care Kit includes the following tips for properly using car safety seats:

• Choose a car seat that fits your child’s age, weight and height.
• Do not use a car seat if it is more than 6 years old, has been in a crash or has an unknown history.
• Always follow the car seat and vehicle manuals to install the seat. Install the car seat by using the vehicle’s safety belts or LATCH device. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride.
• Install the car seat tightly. It should not move more than 1 inch from side to side or towards the front of the car when you pull on the seat where it attaches to the car.
• For optimal protection, children under 2 years old should ride rear-facing. Modern infant and convertible seats allow children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 30-45 pounds, depending on the model instructions.
• When your child is ready to face forward, review your car seat manual and make necessary adjustments to the car seat.
• Follow the car seat manual’s instructions for buckling up your child.
• Only use products that come with your child’s car seat.
• Never leave a child alone in a car seat or vehicle.

For more information on car seats and free car seat inspections, call the Maryland Kids In Safe Seats (KISS) Helpline at 800-370-SEAT (800-370-7328).

Photo by Alex Gilliott via Unsplash