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Safe Transport for Infants. Passenger Safety Texas AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation.
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Safe Transport for Infants Passenger Safety Texas AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
The Problem • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children. • Nationally, over half of the children who died in crashes were unrestrained (NHTSA).
Effectiveness of Child Restraints • 71% effective in reducing infant deaths • 54% effective in reducing toddler deaths • 69% effective in reducing hospitalization need • Children are 37% less likely to be fatally injured riding in the rear seat.
What Is the Best Child Safety Seat? • Fits child appropriate for child’s height, weight, and age • Fits in the vehicle • Seat that will be used correctly all of the time
Why Rear-facing for Infants? • Babies have large, heavy heads • Small, flexible shoulders • Bones not fully developed
Rear-facing Increases Protection • Seat absorbs crash forces • Back of seat spreads crash forces along the entire torso • Protects head, neck, and spinal cord
COSCO Rear Facing Infant Seat INSTRUCTIONS READ AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Important • Read the instruction book. • Mail in the registration card.
Infant-Only Seats • Rear-facing only • Birth/5 lbs. to 18-22 lbs • Some now go to 30 lbs • Most come with a base
Infant-Only Seats • 3-point harness • 5-point harness 1 1 2 2 3 3 5 4
Air Bag Warning Never use a rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag.
Keeping Baby Rear-facing Use rear-facing to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure there is 1 inch from the top of the child’s head to the top of the shell. Install at the correct angle. According to instructions
Harness Adjusters • Harness adjusters vary
Harness Straps Snug • Straps should be at or below shoulders • Straps must be snug • Not able to pinch any of webbing on harness
Harness Retainer Clip • Keeps harness straps on baby’s shoulders • Always goes across chest from armpit to armpit Retainer Clip
Aftermarket Products • Do not add: • Thick padding under or behind child or harness • Pads on harness straps
Acceptable Padding Receiving blankets/cloth diapers that don’t interfere with harness and/or shell contact may be used.
Carry Handle Read manual to determine correct position for handle when used in vehicle
Next Step - Convertible Seats 5-Point Harness Tray Shield T-Shield
Rear-facing Convertibles • Rear-facing until at least 20 lbs. and one • year old • Safer to leave child rear-facing longer (to weight and height limit of seat) • Current rear-facing convertible seats go to 30/35 lbs. rear-facing 5-Point Harness
Correct Angle Infant seats must be reclined according to the manufacturer’s instructions No more than 45o Seat may have adjustment foot (infant only) or recline adjuster (convertible) May need to use rolled towel or pool noodle Older infant can be less reclined (approximately 30o)
Installing It Correctly • Must be rear-facing • Center position is safest IF secure installation can be achieved • Correct angle according to instructions • Read instructions in vehicle owner’s manual • Contact technician for inspection
What to Avoid - Second-Hand Seats • Seat involved in crash • Missing labels • More than 6 years old • Cracks or rust • Parts missing • On recall list
Recalls • Recall Lists on NHTSA Website • NHTSA: • http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov • AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE • 1-888-DASH-2-DOT • Child Safety Seat Manufacturer
Resources • Get a free safety seat inspection with a certified technician • Locate a technician • http://buckleup.tamu.edu