by Bethany Harvey

Created on: January 30, 2010

Your car and your child's safety co hand in hand.  Where your children are concerned even riding in the car is a safety issue.  It is one that many of us don't even think about I am sure.  Just was we maintain our car to keep it running we should be just as concerned for our child safety while riding in that car. 

The first thing you need to make sure is that your car goes for regular tun-ups and oil changes.  Keeping your car in good running order is a must for the safety of the whole family.  Take your car to a trusted garage or good mechanic.  Have them regularly go over your car for you.  take your car as soon as a repair is needed and don't put it off.

The second item of safety are the seat belts.  Make sure that they are in good condition and there are no tears or rips in them.  Test them regularly to make sure they are secure.  Next make sure that you have the proper car seat for your child.  An infant 1 years old and younger needs a rear facing infant seat.  Also make sure that you know the correct weight maximum for the seat .  Have someone help you properly install it in your car and show you how the harness system works if you don't know how.  Properly installing your child's car seat can save your child's life if you get in an accident.  When your child outgrows their car seat make sure you get one the next size up that fits the height and weight of your child.

Another items of safety involve toys and distractions.  If you give your child toys make sure that they are attached to the seat and cannot be thrown around the vehicle.  Make sure your older child is taught to have a bag and to put unused toys away.  Keeping your child occupied with soft toys or small activities will also insure that they are not distracting you and causing you to stop focusing on the road and your driving.

Keep food to a minimum and if you must feed your child make sure it is soft items.  If you offer your child food make sure that they can chew well and give them items that they are not likely to choke on.

When traveling alone with your child you must be extra careful.  If you need to attend your child stop the car as soon as you can safely pull off the road.  Get out and attend your child.  This is a must to keep all of you safe.  Help your older child understand that they must quietly wait a few minutes to be safe.

Try and not have  loud music playing so that you can hear your child in the car.  Keep the noise level down and insist that your children talk softly as well.

Try to have another adult with you if you are going a long distance.  If you have to be alone with your children follow the tips above and safe driving.

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