Consult the owner s manual or contact the manufacturer for that information. All car seats should have an owner s manual and instruction booklet. Be sure the clip between the legs of the child is fastened snugly. The weight of the head of a child makes the cervical spine much more vulnerable to injury, Dr. Bautch explained. The infant has little control in the muscles of the neck, and the head can bounce from side to side and fall forward, which can cause serious spine and neck injuries.
Children have more flexible upper bodies and shoulders.
Make sure the harness comes up, way up, over the shoulders. Underscoring the importance of proper car seat use, a recent article in Nation s Health reported the findings of a study conducted in Kentucky by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study found a 37 percent drop in infant fatalities since the 1982 enactment of the state law mandating the use of child car seats. To continue this decline, prevention efforts now must focus on the proper use of the seats to maximize their life-saving potential, the researchers said. The key when traveling with small children is to be aware of and follow these rules and tips to ensure proper car seat safety.