According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children of all races from one to14 years of age. Approximately one of every three American children between the ages of five and 15 rides completely unrestrained, putting millions of children at risk.

Research from the safety group shows that proper child restraint systems can reduce fatal injuries to infants by 71 percent, to children one to four years by 54 percent, and to those age five to 15 years by 45 percent.

It takes more than just having a car safety seat to protect your child. The car safety seat is most effective when used properly, says Michele Alpen, R.N., Trauma Program Manager, UI Hospitals and Clinics.

• Never put a rear-facing child in front of an air bag.
• Change from an infant-only seat to a convertible seat when your child is 20 pounds and one year old.
• Use belt-positioning, forward-facing booster seats for children from 40 to 80 pounds and four feet, nine inches tall.
• Don't use your car's seat belts until they fit your child correctly--about 80 pounds and four feet, nine inches tall. The shoulder strap should fit across your child's chest, not neck.
• Children should not be permitted to ride in the front seat until after they are at least 12 years old.

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for you child's safety is to buckle up when you get in the car. Seeing you buckle up shows your children that safety is important.

You've followed the safety rules, but the rules don't seem to cover the Houdini in your family--the one who squirms or unbuckles his way out of the car safety seat. What do you do? As with most parenting issues, it comes down to rules. Let your child know that if he unbuckles the seat, the car stops and will not continue. Take several short training trips with your child and be prepared to stop if your child unbuckles the safety seat. Use a favorite toy or doll as an example for your child to buckle safely into place.

For more information about car seat safety guidelines, call UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 703, or 800-777-8442, ext. 703.

Before you leave home:

• Use rear-facing child seats for children from birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age
• Use forward-facing child seats for children more than 20 pounds and at least one year old to about 40 pounds and about age four
• Use best-positioning booster seats for children from about 40 pounds to about 80 pounds and four foot, nine inches
• Use seat belts for older children (at least four feet, nine inches and about 80 pounds) large enough for the belt to fit correctly. The lap belt should ride across the abdomen and the shoulder belt should fit across your child's chest, not neck
• Children should not be permitted to ride in the front seat until after they are at least 12 years old.

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For more information:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
  Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2003
  
  
• Nemours Foundation
  KidsHealth for Parents: Auto Safety
  
  

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