Every state requires that infants and children who ride in a car buckle up. But the laws vary when it comes to child safety seats.
Using a safety seat can help prevent injuries to a young child, but the device must be used correctly. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:
- Restrain your child on every trip, every time.
- Keep your child in the back seat.
- Use the best safety restraint for your child's size.
- Your child should use the seat until she reaches the maximum weight for the device, as long as the top of her head is below the top of the seat's back.
If your child tries to squirm out of the seat, find a safe place to pull the car over. Explain why safety seats are important. Let your child know that that car seat will help keep him safe, just like the seat belt you're wearing helps keep you safe.
Health Tip: Remind Children and Teens of Pedestrian Safety
Children and teens may feel like they are invincible, and that they can take care of themselves.
But whether they're walking to school, or hustling to a nearby friend's house, it's important to remind your children about pedestrian safety.
Safe Kids USA offers these suggestions:
- Always look left, right then left again before you cross the street, and pay attention while crossing.
- Walk across an intersection, don't run.
- Follow all traffic signs and signals.
- Walk in the direction against traffic, or on a path or sidewalk.
- Whenever sunlight is dim, carry a flashlight and wear something reflective.
- Never play in a driveway, parking lot or street.
- Always take the same (safest) route to regular destinations. Make sure the route has the fewest intersections.
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