Many parents go to great lengths to childproof their home and keep their children safe from harm. Aside from the home, it is also important for parents to childproof their car to protect children from potential risks inside the vehicle.
Ask yourself this question, are you sure your child is safe when you hit the road? There should never be any gray areas when it comes to the safety and security of a child. Here are some childproofing measures that can prevent injuries and save your child’s life.
Take the time to choose the right car seat for your child. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is very strict about the safety of child restraints, especially booster seats and child restraints depending on the weight. Check your state’s car seat laws to guide you when buying a car seat.
Guarantee the safety of your child on the road by choosing the most suitable car seat based on their age, height and weight. Getting the correct seat can help reduce the risk of death or injury from a crash. Avoid buying a second hand or used one. Don’t trade security for a bargain. It is recommended that you purchase a new seat to ensure that it has passed current safety tests. A new one also gives the consumer the advantage of having a manufacturer’s warranty. Follow the manual for correct installation.
Always buckle up for safety. Before leaving your home, it is recommended that you secure child restraint systems, especially if they have come loose. Show your child how to fasten the booster seat under her supervision. Double check to see if the booster seat is secure before you head out. Remember that unused shoulder belts are potentially dangerous to a child due to the risk of strangulation. Keep them out of your child’s reach.
Take advantage of childproofing your car safety locks. Most automobiles, especially newer models, sold in the United States are equipped with a child-resistant lock. Take advantage of this safety feature to prevent young children, especially active toddlers, from getting out of the car inappropriately, especially when the vehicle is in motion. Child locks are usually activated by the driver. Consult your owner’s manual for proper instructions.
Please note that this security feature has a downside. If your child accidentally locks herself inside or accidentally leaves the keys in the car with your child, your child will not be able to open the next door. It is advisable to have a spare key on hand in case this type of situation occurs. Without a spare key, you may need to call the police or a professional mechanic to pick the lock on your car door.
Remove potentially dangerous and loose items from your car. It is strongly recommended that you keep choking-causing items out of reach, such as loose change and other small items that your child could accidentally put in his or her mouth. Remove sharp things that could fly or fall directly on your child if the brakes are applied suddenly. Remove things that could poison your child, such as car fluids, inside the car.
