A moment for safety

This is National Child Passenger Safety Week and I plan to celebrate the week by volunteering this Saturday at a child passenger safety event. Because I am passionate about helping new parents learn about using their child safety seats correctly, I am working on becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor. 

Even though I am past age 50, I love getting in and out of vehicles as I teach parents about the importance child passenger safety. It has been a long and hot summer, and being in and out of vehicles is tough work, but I go home feeling like what I do can make a big difference for a new family as they keep baby safe while driving in their car, which for some families is several times a day. 

Driving your car is probably the riskiest thing you do on a daily basis, and adding your precious cargo – the new baby – should make you want to be the safest parent on the block!  I work with brand new parents every day at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford and hope these tips will help other new parents as they prepare to go out into the world with their new baby.

·         Choose your baby’s car seat based on safety ratings and ease of use.  This is much more important than the fabric in the seat and how it fits into the stroller!

·         Choose a seat that keeps your baby rear-facing as long as possible.  Some seats go to 40 pounds rear-facing, which is the safest position for your baby.  According to a 2008 article in Pediatrics, children under age 2 are 75% less likely to be killed or suffer severe injuries in a car crash if they are riding rear facing rather than forward facing!!

·         Avoid a pre-owned seat if possible.  Newer seats are easier to use and have improved safety features.

·         Read the entire manual to the child safety seat and the manual to your vehicle under “Child Passenger Safety.”

·         Practice installing your seat in the center of the back seat of the vehicle, which is the safest location.  Then, call 1-877-THR-WELL to schedule your free inspection from a Texas Health Child Passenger Safety Technician.  We will check your work and help as needed to be sure your precious cargo is safe!

·         Bring two receiving blankets when you come to the hospital for possible use in your seat and plan to bring baby home in clothes that has legs.

·         Plan for one adult to sit next to baby in the back seat of the vehicle for awhile.

·         Use the child safety seat for every ride in the car, and always take the time to snug up the harness straps.

·         Set a good example by wearing your seat belt every time you drive or ride in a vehicle!

Julie Smith, RN, MS

Perinatal Educator

Child Passenger Safety Technician

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford