MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

PURCHASE & INSTALLATION Because babies, parents, and vehicles come in all sizes and shapes, the “perfect car seat” will be different for everyone. The best car seat for your baby will meet all 3 of these criteria :

How to do it • Tightly install car seat in a rear-facing position in the back seat • If allowed in your car, place seat in the center of the back seat • Seat should not move more than 1 inch from side to side in the belt path • Seat should recline according to manufacturer’s instructions What to know • Check for information on your car seat online using the model name and number, date of manufacture, and expiration date • Always register your new car seat with the manufacturer so you’ll be notified about any recalls • For detailed information about your specific car seat, visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

1. Fits baby’s weight, height, and age 2. Can be set up safely in your vehicle 3. Is easy for you to install and remove Installation

If the car safety seat is not properly installed, it may not protect your baby. Many experts recommend that new parents schedule a child passenger safety seat appointment with a certified technician to have the seat installed. To find a technician in your area, visit www.safekids.org . If you install the seat yourself, be sure to read both the child car seat section of your vehicle’s owners manual and the instruction booklet that comes with every new car seat. This is very important because every vehicle and every car seat are a little different. Always follow the directions carefully.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK

Y our car heats up faster and gets much hotter than you might think. Never leave your child alone in the car, not even for one minute! A child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than adults, with the potential for a devastating health outcome.

Create a reminder It’s vital that you never forget

that your baby is with you in the car and always remember to take them with you before you walk away. The best way to do this is to create a reminder to look before you lock . How to do it • Put something you will need in the back near your baby’s car seat Your mobile phone Your purse, backpack, or briefcase Your left shoe • Set a reminder alarm on your electronic device to make sure your child is dropped off when and where they are expected • Make a plan with your childcare provider for them to call you if your baby or child is even a few minutes late

Child’s body temperature rises very quickly

Never leave a child alone in a vehicle

Shop with a Stroller Experts suggest you take your baby inside the store in their stroller, instead of putting your baby’s car seat on the shopping cart . This helps prevent your baby from falling out of the shopping cart or the cart tipping over from the weight of the baby in their car seat.

SEE A CHILD ALONE IN A CAR? CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! This is an emergency, and your call could save a precious life.

44

Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care