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Parents take a lot of pains and precautions in order to ensure that their child is safe at all times. But after going through the hassle of baby proofing your entire house and making sure no pointy objects are around your little ones, wouldn’t it be unfortunate if they got hurt in the one place you thought was relatively safe? Children spend a lot of time in a vehicle. Be it being shuttled back and forth to school or having to go grocery shopping with you, they spend a significant amount of time in the car with you. Because of this, it’s important to know some aspects that should be taken into account to avoid accidents and comply with traffic rules. Sure, a baby car seat is one way to keep your baby safe. But what kind and what other precautions can you take to ensure that your kid has a smooth ride? If you’d like these questions answered then this is the article for you! Read on to know more.
1. Choose The Right Seat
Buying a car seat for your baby is a no brainer. But before you do, make sure that it’s suitable for your child’s weight, age, and height, and that it complies with the traffic regulations enforced in your country or region. It is also important to make sure that the car seat is compatible with your vehicle which is why the size of the seat is a huge factor. Also check the anchorage system so that, when installed, it allows all other passengers to travel safely and comfortably. And remember, no matter how short your trip may be, your child must be seated in their seat and not in the lap of another person.
2. Remove Bulky Jackets Or Coats
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One key tip to keep in mind is to remove any jacket or coat your child is wearing before they are strapped into the car seat. It is very important that you don’t increase the distance between your child’s body and the harness as this may prevent the child from being properly secured to the seat. If you’re worried that your child may feel cold because temperatures are low you can always place a blanket over your kid’s head after having correctly placed them in the seat and adjusted the seat belt.
3. Never Leave Your Child Alone
Many parents leave their kids in the car when they want to pop into a store for a couple of minutes, especially if the child is asleep but this can be dangerous and have serious consequences. In order to avoid accidents, such as a heat stroke, be sure to always keep an eye on the children, whether they’re inside or outside the car. Keep in mind that cars can heat up pretty quickly and the inside of the car can reach high temperatures. So leaving your kid inside isn’t a good idea. When the vehicle is not being used, don’t let children play inside. Lock the doors and always leave the keys out of reach.
4. Avoid Food And Snacks
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We get it, sometimes snacking in the car is the only thing keeping your child quiet and your sanity together. But experts recommend that children not consume food inside the car while it’s in motion. This is mainly because your child has a higher chance of choking on a snack if they are in a jerking car and the process of stopping your car and helping your child if they are choking can be complex. At the same time, there are times when it can be difficult to realize that a child is choking since, due to the lack of air, they are not able to produce sounds that would alert you. So try to avoid giving them snacks to eat while you are on the move.
5. Do Not Transport Loose Objects
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This is mainly to avoid the risk of any injury or collisions taking place when you are driving. Instead of leaving these moving boxes next to your child you can always put them in the glove compartment or in the truck. The last thing you want is a random object flying directly into your child’s face. This trick will also prevent your little one from putting small objects into their mouth. If you travel with pets, carry them with a harness or in a transport cage that can be adjusted to the seat belt. This way everyone is safe.
Making sure your child is safe and sound in the car is no easy task. Just like everything when it comes to your kids it takes an extra bit of attention and care. So make sure to follow these tips to have a safe and smooth ride. Happy parenting!
