Posts Tagged ‘car seat’

When I first read the title of the source for this post, Hazardous Use of Car Seats Outside the Car in the United States, 2003–2007, I was a little confused. In my head I was picturing injuries caused by parents placing their baby and car seat on the hood of the car or on the ground by the exhaust. I had assumed they were talking about using the car seat directly outside of the car. No, I was very wrong.

The article is referring to babies that have been hurt or injured when parents have placed their babies on an elevated or soft surface. For example, placing the baby in the car seat and placing the car seat on the sofa. Or, placing the baby in the car seat and placing the car seat on the kitchen counter while you cook dinner. Have you done either of these? I know I have.

What is the risk? Well, from 2003-2007, 43,562 car seat–related injuries were treated in emergency departments. Most of these injuries occurred in the home and to infants aged 4 months or less. Of these injuries 84.3% of the infants suffered head injuries and 8.4 % had to be hospitalized.

Now, I know you are very careful with your baby, but think about whom else is around your baby. Maybe you have other young children or an energetic dog. Bottom line, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you avoid placing car seats on elevated or soft surfaces.

What are your thoughts on this study?

Source: Pediatrics; Soda Baby (Image)

You may have read our last post and thought: “I would never leave my baby in the hot car”; “I know not to do that”; “only irresponsible people leave their baby in the car.” I know you would never purposely leave your child in a hot car, risking the chance of death. Unfortunately, many children have died by accidentally being left in the car.

Since 1998, there have been 463 child deaths involving heat exhaustion inside cars and trucks. Some of these deaths have involved children climbing into a car and becoming locked inside unbeknownst to their parents or guardian.

Are you wondering how this information applies to you? These deaths don’t just happen to neglectful parents. They happen to good, caring parents who are over-tired, over-worked, too stressed, out of routine, etc.

 Here are a few suggestions to help you keep your baby safe:

1. Check the back seat every time they exit the vehicle
2. Leave your cell phone or purse on the floor near your baby’s car seat. That way when you retrieve it, you’re reminded to retrieve them too.
3. Set your cell phone or Blackberry reminder to be sure you dropped your child off at day care.
4. Place a stuffed animal in your baby’s car seat when they are not in it. When they are in it, place the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat as a reminder for you.
5. Have a plan that if your child is late for daycare that you will be called within a few minutes. Be especially careful if you change your routine for dropping off little kids at day care.
6. Teach children not to play in any vehicle.
7. Lock all vehicle doors and trunk after everyone has exited the vehicle – especially at home. Keep keys out of children’s reach. Cars are not playgrounds or babysitters

Dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car.

Are there any tricks you use to make sure you never forget your baby?

Sources: CBS News; Safe Kids USA