2/11/09

Educational Opportunities

Okay, I have a little educating to do after OOPS I’VE DONE IT AGAIN post on 2/7. Let me tell you why: At work in the NICU, I was talking to my friend Greta about her needing to buy a minivan if she has another kid because loading and unloading three car seats is a major pain the backside since kids are required to stay in car seats for what seems like an eternity these days. Greta brought to my attention the fact that technically Evan should still be in a 5 pt harness car seat (one that attaches at 5 different points on a child’s body) instead of the booster seat featured in the previous post. I know you’re thinking….shouldn’t she have known this. Well, our NICU Medical Director, Dr. Susan Sward, happened to be sitting nearby and she informed me that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers and preschoolers “should ride in a 5pt harness car seat until they outgrow it (which is usually at about 4yrs of age and 40-65 pounds).” Well wouldn’t you know that Evan is 4yrs old but is only 32 pounds ( I know, I know…he’s skinny) so technically, a booster seat is not in his best interest! So my mission this week was to find an appropriate car seat for his age and weight. That’s what I get for airing my dirty laundry, but I’m a better person because of it! Other AAP guidelines for car seat safety can be found here:
**do note that Ian is buckled correctly and in the appropriate car seat and still has some head drooping, although granted, not as much!
Happy Driving!

Trying out our potential new booster seat (w/5pt harness) at the store!

Our new booster seat at home!
On a more serious note.....Every year, more than 90,000 children under age 8 are injured in car crashes, and more than 1,000 are killed. In fact, auto accidents are by far the leading cause of death for American children according to Babycenter. So remember: Safety First!

1 comment:

  1. Very educational. Impressed you went out and got a new seat.. I didn't...
    Evan doesn't look very happy with his new seat in the first pic - glad he came around! =)

    ReplyDelete

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