Page 11 - elevatespring2018
P. 11
CHOOSING A CAR SEAT FAMILY HEALTH
LIKE A PRO gseraFitgfreyholoytm,ushepseatircatekrt’toisneagdin.gsotuuaitdllitenhgetoit
USING THE RIGHT car seat correctly is the car seat, after-market products have harness, high-backed booster or backless
important for keeping your child safe. typically not been crash-tested. booster seat until their eighth birthday,”
There are so many car seat options, though, McGraw says. “Use the harness that comes
that choosing one for your child can be GET A PROFESSIONAL OPINION with the forward-facing car seat or high-
confusing. back booster as long as your child fits, then
“Buy and install your car seat before your switch to using just the seat belt when
“There isn’t one particular car seat that’s child is born,” McGraw says. “If you have any your child meets the height and weight
best,” says Megan McGraw, CCLS, CPST, questions, you can set up an appointment to requirements for the booster seat.”
Certified Child Life Specialist at Beverly have a child passenger safety technician (CPST)
Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent check your seat before your baby is born.” Keep your child in your car’s back seat
Health. “The best car seat for your family until they are at least age 12.
will be one that fits your child and your To use a forward-facing seat, your child
vehicle and that you can install properly.” must be 2 years old and meet the maximum Navicent Health’s CPSTs are available to
weight requirement for the car seat’s rear- help answer any questions you may have
McGraw cautions parents not to buy facing setup. Once you’re ready to make the about car seat safety, so don’t hesitate to ask.
after-market products such as straps for change, you can have the seat checked again.
the harness, extra mirrors, cushions or seat VISIT WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/
protectors that go under the car seat. Unlike “For older children, we recommend BEGINNINGS TO SIGN UP FOR OUR CAR
they remain in a car seat with an internal SEAT SAFETY CLASS, OR CALL 478-633-SAFE
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
YOUR
INSTALLATION
CHECKLIST
When installing your child’s car seat, keep
these tips in mind:
»» Car seats come with a LATCH system,
which uses a lower anchor and a tether,
or they can be used with a seat belt. You
only need to use one, but they’re both
safe, so choose the easiest route.
»» When you test the car seat, make sure it
does not move more than an inch.
»» Always tether a forward-facing seat.
“Make sure you read not only the
instruction manual that comes with your
car seat, but your car manual as well,” says
Megan McGraw, CCLS, CPST, Certified
Child Life Specialist at Beverly Knight Olson
Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health. “Most
car manuals will tell you where the best fit
for a car seat is in your car.”
SPRING 2018 | navicenthealth.org 11
