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: Get Kids Moving
Getting daily exercise is a practice that should begin in childhood, many experts say.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has this advice for encouraging physical activity among kids:
- Meet with your child's pediatrician so he can talk with you and your child about how important physical activity is for everyone's health.
- Promote a sport or other age-appropriate activity that your child likes, or an activity that the family can enjoy together.
- Create a safe place where your child can exercise and play, and offer toys that encourage physical activity.
- Be active yourself by making time for exercise and playing with your child.
- Limit TV and computer time for the entire family.
- Teach your child not to push too hard -- exercise should be fun, not painful.
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