The first vehicles to roll off the assembly lines in Detroit weren’t equipped with safety belts, and they definitely couldn’t handle an infant’s car seat. Only later did people begin to understand the importance of these safety devices.
Times have changed, and many options are available to keep your children safe. Many laws also have been passed for safety when driving your little ones around town, including those that require infants and young children to be transported in car seats and boosters that meet stringent safety guidelines.
While vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in young children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, parents should breathe a sigh of relief at the level of safety features available for their children. However, remember that technology is only effective when
used properly.
A Safety Resource
Unfortunately, even the best car seats won’t work properly if they aren’t installed and used correctly. That is why certified experts are available for consultation at
St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
“The most important thing for parents to remember is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the seat,” says Kelly Klasek, certified child passenger safety technician and community education instructor for
St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Check your child’s height and weight often, and be sure to follow the guidelines based on that information and to upgrade when your child outgrows a seat.”
Because it can be difficult to know for sure if your child is using the proper safety seat correctly, certified child passenger safety technicians have the training and credentials necessary to help parents learn how to install their child’s seat properly. They also can advise when it is time to change from using a car seat with a harness to using a booster seat with the adult-sized safety belts in your family vehicle to using only a safety belt.
“It takes only minutes to consult
with one of the certified technicians
at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, but it can be invaluable for a parent’s peace
of mind,” says Klasek. “I encourage expectant parents—and parents who may have questions—to contact us for
a consultation.”
To schedule an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician through Safety Stop at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, call 314.454.KIDS (5437) or 800.678.KIDS.