Sacred Journeys
Childhood & Parenthood are Sacred Journeys
Selecting & Using Safety Seats
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Determine the type of seat you need
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NHTSA
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Please note that Consumer Reports is not a reliable child passenger safety resource: their "testing" was flawed & the "results" were WITHDRAWN!
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Toxins can be lessened by washing before use as per the manufacturer's instructions.
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Please note that many toxins are necessary to help prevent severe/fatal burns during a crash & that other everyday items such as mattresses, couches, carpeting, etc. have concentrations at least as high as carseats, but only carseats can save your child's life!
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- Test different seats out in your vehicle
- Compatibility Database
- Let your child sit in them, too
- Compatibility Database
- Read both vehicle + carseat manuals
- Visit your local CPST
- Register your carseat!
Not the 1st Owner? Oh no!
Seats used by anyone else are not reliable, especially if you don’t know its history & don't have the owner’s manual -- it is a matter of your child's life or death....
Can you trust 100% that the it passes the Used Seat Checklist?
This is what happens to a child in an expired carseat 
Carseats in vehicle crashes must be replaced immediately: read the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's advice & contact the carseat manufacturer for specific details.
Most insurance companies will reimburse for the cost of the seat if requested, but if they deny the request then demand so in writing.
Child Care & Carpool
- Safe Rides to Daycare: Guidleines for Parents
- Safe Rides to Daycare: Guidelines for Providers
- Basic Guidelines for Transporting Children Safely
- Transportation Information Form
- Carpool Driver Safety Checklist
- How to Start a Carpool
- Rules for Carpools
- "But my child won't stay in the carseat!"
Safest Practice Tips
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Safest placement is the center backseat when allowed by vehicle manual
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Correct, safe installation requires less than 1" of movement at the belt path
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Correct, safe harness is tight, dry & untwisted with chest clip at armpit level
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(you must not be able to pinch a horizontal crease in the straps at the collar bone)
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(spot clean only, according to instructions: do not iron or submerge in water)
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Bulky clothing should be removed before buckling up:
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Dress kids in layers
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Dress kids in hats, scarves, mittens
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Use thin warm fleece suits
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Take off coats & put on backwards over the belt
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Keep fleece blankets in the vehicle
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Let mature kids use crack-n-shake heat packs
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Help kids feel happy in their seats 
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Have an adult sit in the back
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Rotate cloth books & soft puppets
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Play the child's favorite music
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Play “I spy” games, etc.
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Make outings a predictable, reliable, comfortable routine for children
Always read & follow both carseat + vehicle manuals
(not following the manufacturer's instructions voids liability -- it may also be considered illegal if your state has a "Proper Use" clause)
Travel
Yes, you should absolutely use your FAA approved child safety seats on airplanes! These babies could have survived....
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The only safe motor home is that which can be towed behind another vehicle that has enough seatbelts to accomodate each person.
Coming soon: tips/tricks & taxicabs.
