Who's Driving Your Baby?

Congratulations! You´re bringing your newborn home from the hospital. As a good parent, you´ve done everything to prepare for this special day–including getting the right kind of car seat and learning how to properly use it. Most parents are aware of the precautions to be used when they are transporting their child. They know the weight restrictions and are familiar with the manufacturer´s guidelines for proper installation. They´ve even got a baby view car mirror to help keep an eye on the little one. But what happens when parents must leave the driving to someone else? How do they make sure that others are prepared to transport their little bundles of joy? Here´s how the American Academy of Pediatrics addressed these concerns.

When someone else is driving for daycare or childcare:

If you are not providing the car seat, be sure that the seat being used is appropriate for the age and size of your child and that the person in charge knows how to use the car safety seat correctly.

Childcare programs and schools should have written guidelines for transporting children. Review them to be sure that:

o All drivers have valid driver´s licenses and commercial licenses if required by the state.

o Staff-to-child ratios for transport should meet or exceed those required for the classroom.

o It is best if there is an additional staff person, teacher or parent volunteer on board to supervise children so that the driver can focus on driving.

o Be sure that the person transporting your child knows what to do in an emergency.

Guidelines for car safety seats on airplanes:

Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats can be used on airplanes, but booster seats and travel vests cannot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that when flying, children should be securely fastened in certified child restraints until four years of age, and then they should be secured with the airplane seat belts. This will help keep them safe during takeoff and landing or in case of turbulence. Check the label on your car safety seat or call the safety seat´s manufacturer before you travel to see if your seat is certified for use on an airplane. You can also consider using a restraint made only for use on airplanes and approved by the FAA.

Advice on transporting multiple children in car seats:

It´s best to avoid transporting more children than can be buckled safely in the backseat, especially if the vehicle has airbags in the front seat. However, if it is absolutely necessary, a child in a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice to ride in front. Be sure the vehicle seat is moved as far back away from the dashboard (and the airbag) as possible. Remember, it is recommended that all children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat.

One of the most important jobs parents have is keeping their child safe when riding in a vehicle, no matter who is behind the wheel. Use these tips along with your best judgment to help keep children safe.

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