Carseat education

[ppshah]

I'm a pediatrician and I'm trying to make a handout for residents and medical students so hopefully the future generation of pediatricians will know more about car-seats than I did!

I'm trying to find the test for booster rediness but can't find the link anyone have it?

Also what are your favorite websites/links that you would like me to include.

Thanks!

[tjham]

What a great idea!
I'm sure the techs here will be delighted to help you out!

[Kat_Mom2D_J_andRuthie]

a checklist for booster use would be

1. at least 4 yrs old... even though carseat manufacturers may say age 3, your child will not be mature enough to stay positioned during the whole ride until age 4.

2. 40lbs... highback boosters may say 30lbs, but we find that most children don't fit well in a booster until 40lbs and backless boosters have a 40lb minimum.

3. Harnessed is safer... please consider purchasing a seat that will allow your child to remain harnessed past 40lbs and past 4yrs old

4. Once in a booster, your child should ride in it until outgrowing it by weight or by height. A highback booster is outgrown by height when the tops of the ears are level with the top of the seat's headrest at it's highest position. A backless booster is outgrown by height when the tops of the ears are level with the top of the car's seat/headrest at it's highest position.

A child should use a booster until they are at least 8-12yrs old or until they are 4'9" and can sit properly in just a seatbelt.


Seatbelt test

1. shoulderbelt should lie across the middle of the collarbone

2. lapbelt should sit low, touching or on the upper thighs

3. the back of the child should be flat against the back of the seat

4. the childs knees should bend over the edge of the seat

5. child must sit like this the whole ride without slouching or moving around.

*6. feet on the floor

*while this one is not standard, many car seat techs advise this, as it prevents the slouching that children may do when their legs start to ache or fall asleep

http://www.cpsafety.com has a lot of great info, especially for keeping kids rf longer and in harnessed seats longer.

http://www.carseatsite.com has great info on finding installation help, how the harnesses should fit your child, etc, and videos to help install a rearfacing seat.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9916868/

this talks about how children under age 2 are at more risk when forward facing in a crash.

Kat

[Joolsplus2]

I think the www.carseat.org handout is one of the better ones (under 'resources' and it's number 627 or 630, that illustrate the five step test Kat typed up, and lots of other info that prints nicely on the back of it...maybe it's 629, lol, but you'll find it for sure!).
I'd link you but I'm just popping in for a moment... and a quick high-5 for doing something about this, since you are in a real position of authority :)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx