By Colleen Newman 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. In the United States during 2004, 1,638 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes and approximately 214,000 were injured. Eight out of ten car seats in Maryland are either installed or fastened incorrectly; a major factor for these atrocious statistics.

Putting your child in a child safety seat will reduce the chances of injury or death significantly. But, putting them in the car seat is not enough. Your child must also be secured properly. Using the proper seat for his or her height and weight is an important step. Even more importantly, your child should be restrained correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Even before our babies are born we want to do the best we can for them. When preparing for a new baby one common question among parents is, “Which safety seat is the best?” Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (KISS) explains, “The best safety seat is one that you can afford, that fits your child and your car, and that you can use correctly each time.” Not all safety seats and vehicles are compatible so installing the safety seat in your car before making a purchase is recommended. It is also very important to follow both the child safety seat and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Many parents make the mistake of turning their child forward facing before it is necessary. While we all know the safest place for all children is in the back seat, the safest position is rear facing. Many Moms feel that their baby will be happier because they can see better forward facing. As a parent it is our job to maintain safety before happiness and the rear facing position best protects your child’s neck and spine. Unless your child is older than one year AND heavier than the maximum rear-facing harness limit they should remain rear facing. Some car seats can remain rear facing up to 33 pounds. The higher the weight, the safer, and this should be taken into account when making a car seat purchase.

Children can move to a Booster seat when they are above the maximum weight OR height limit for the forward facing unit. Children under thirteen years old and who weight under 100 pounds should always be transported in the back seat. If all of these regulations seem overwhelming you can also have a certified child safety seat inspection technician answer your questions or install your car seat for you. Visit www.MyBabyandMore.com/NearMamasHeart.html

Mother, early childhood educator, parent counselor, and author, Colleen Newman is degreed in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. She spent several years teaching preschoolers before the birth of her first child. Newman’s dedication to children promted her to start My Baby and More Parent Coaching and Educational Services. My Baby and More provides parents with the education and support of positive and natural parenting methods such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and attachment parenting through one-on-one phone, email, in-home and office consultations, seminars, and classes. Newman is a Breastfeeding Counselor for WIC and holds a certificate as a Certified Happiest Baby Educator from Dr. Harvey Karp’s Happiest Baby Program. Her latest work Near Mama’s Heart, a children’s book about breastfeeding, has been named an instant classic and is endorsed by Elizabeth Pantley, Harvey Karp, M.D., Amy Spangler, Hilary Flower and many other experts in the parenting and breastfeeding field. For more information go to: www.MyBabyandMore.com/NearMamasHeart.html

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