Infants and toddlers often enjoy riding in cars but sometimes they can fuss a bit. No matter their mood, their safety must always be prioritized. Below are essential safety tips for driving with infants and toddlers.
Choose the Right Car Seat
According to Consumer Reports, about 46 percent of car seats are incorrectly installed, increasing the chance of serious injuries. Only use ones that meet federal safety standards and choose the right size.
Rear-facing infant car seats are made for children weighing 4 to 40 pounds and have removable carriers. Convertible car seats are rear- or front-facing, but if the child weighs less than 20 pounds and is younger than a year, it should be installed rear-facing. Once the child outgrows that, they can sit in a booster seat. Never use car seat accessories not manufactured by your car seat’s-company because they might not be compatible.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises that children ages 13 and under should always sit in the back seat.
Buckle Up
It is important to buckle up children in their car seats and boosters, but the straps might not stay in place if they wear bulky clothes and outerwear. They can also overheat in the car and start crying. The best choices are light layers.
Avoid Food and Drinks
Also, try not to give an infant or toddler food or drinks in a moving car because they could drop items, get upset, throw them, or start choking. Pull over somewhere safe when they need to be fed and take a break.
What Types of Car Accident Injuries Are Common in Infants and Toddlers?
Head injuries like concussions are the most common. Infants are also more prone to pelvic injuries, spinal fractures, and thoracic fractures. Infants and toddlers can also experience soft tissue injuries like whiplash, abdominal injuries, fractures, and psychological injuries like PTSD.
A severe injury could lead to long-term complications, so getting immediate medical attention after a crash is vital.
Contact Our Alexandria Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King if Your Infant or Toddler Was Injured in a Crash
If your child was injured in an accident, do not hesitate to contact our compassionate Alexandria car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Call 202-331-1963 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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