Children's Use of Restraints Research at the University of Kansas Medical Center showed that children restrained by safety seats or belts were 95 percent less disruptive than unrestrained children. If children are not restrained, they will move around freely in the car, distracting the driver. When the child is not supported in a restraint, the child can roll or fall off the seat when the vehicle makes sudden stops or sharp turns. If children are not able to see out the window, they may become bored and disruptive. Suggestions for Adults with Child Passengers Start off right by using a child restraint when you bring your newborn home from the hospital.
Infants enjoy warmth, motion and security.
The first ride can provide all of those if you use a rear-facing car seat for your newborn. Some physicians write a formal prescription for a seat restraint for a newborn. Tell children what you want them to do rather than what they should not do. If you watch carefully, you will soon be big enough to buckle up yourself. If a child is making the first trip in a car seat, make it a happy time.