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Home › Articles › Safe Family › Careful Considerations

Careful Considerations

Keeping Babies Safe and Sound

By Penny Powell

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The American Academy of Pediatrics says, "No one car safety seat is 'safest' or 'best.' The 'best' car safety seat is one that fits your child's size and weight, can be installed correctly in your car and that you will use every time you drive." The group also advises that parents first try out the car seat before purchasing it by placing the child in it and adjusting the seat's features such as the harness and straps. Remember, the seat must also be a good fit for your car!

It's also a good idea to make sure toys are secured to a child's car seat. "We have this little windup music box for our daughter to listen to when she's in her car seat," says Biroschik. "With the seat facing backward, I used to rest it on her feet, until I realized that if I were to suddenly jam brakes or something like that then the music box could possibly fly and hit her. It's best to secure infant toys to the car seat rather then risk your baby getting hurt by a flying object."

A Pen to Play In
The CPSC advises that the mesh in a playpen be attached securely to both the top and bottom of the playpen to prevent a child from becoming entangled or strangled. The mesh should have a weave featuring openings that are smaller than 1/4 of an inch. The mesh also should be free from holes or loose threads. Like a crib, the drop-down side of a playpen should never be left in the down position.

Out for a Stroll
A wide-base stroller is recommended to prevent tipping. "If the seat adjusts to a reclining position, make sure it won't tip over when the child lies down," says Holtzman. "It should have a strong, durable safety belt that is easy to open and close."

Select a stroller that has brakes to lock the wheels. They should "be convenient to operate," says Holtzman. "Having brakes on two sides provides an extra measure of safety."

A stroller with a low shopping basket that does not interfere with the stroller's stability is also best. "If there is a shopping basket for carrying items attached to the stroller, the basket should be low on the back of the stroller or directly over the rear of the wheels," says Holtzman.

Carrier Seats

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