Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer and the start of a new school year. For many, it’s the last chance to make a summer weekend getaway. As you could imagine, both roads and airports see a significant bump in traffic during Labor Day weekend. If you or someone you know is traveling this Labor Day weekend, keep the following tips in mind.
Car seat safety: Keep your child or infant safe by ensuring that their car seat or booster seat meets current safety standards. All children shorter than 4’9” should be properly secured in either a car seat or a booster seat, depending on size and age. This rule holds true whether you’re traveling in your car, a friend’s car or a taxi.
You can go to your local fire department to have your infant car seat properly installed. Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Before you hit the road, check out this car seat checklist or have your child take the safety belt fit test. Check here to see if the seat has been recalled.
Safe sleep: It might seem most convenient to bring the car seat outside of the car to allow your child’s nap to continue, but this should always be avoided. Car seats are not considered safe sleep environments when they are not installed in the car. Your child’s head can fall forward and allow their chin to rest on their neck, which may restrict baby’s airflow. Car seats or other types of seats set on a soft surface like a bed can tip over, causing suffocation.
When choosing a portable sleep space remember to follow the same safe sleep guidelines you follow at home. Avoid sleeping nests or cushions and remember to remove all items from the sleep space including blankets, bumpers and plush toys. Finally, remember to check that the portable crib meets federal safety standards.
Never leave your child alone in your car. Children nor infants should never be left alone in a car for many reasons, one being the risk of heatstroke. Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children.
Other resources: Remember to check your relative’s home or hotel for known hazards, just like at home. Pools, window blinds and tip-overs can all be a hazards – follow the links to learn how to avoid.
KID wants to be your safety resource wherever you go. Check out our Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest recall and safety information. You can also access KidsInDanger.org through your mobile phone.
