New Parent News

as published in the Times Herald Record on July 19, 2006

Everyone loves a gorgeous summer day with the bright blue sky and the beautiful sunshine, but that sunshine could spell disaster when mixed with a baby or child and a parked car.

According to the Dept. of Geosciences at San Francisco State University, 42 children died last year from being left in cars. It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise 19 degrees. After an hour the temperature has risen 43 degrees. That means if outside the car it's a nice breezy 75 degrees, inside the car it is a stifling 118 degrees! Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees, heat stroke sets in at 104 degrees and a body temperature of 107 degrees can be fatal. A child's body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, so even if you don't think it's that hot, your child might.

So how can you keep your child safe in the car this summer? Here are some important tips to remember:

• NEVER leave your child alone in the car even with the windows down.
• Make sure that everyone has gotten out of the car. Do not forget about a sleeping child.
• Always lock your vehicle. Discourage your children from using the car as a play area. If a child is missing, check the car first, especially the trunk.

When it comes to a moving vehicle there are no ifs, ands, or buts about this one, your child needs to be in a child safety seat at all times while riding in the car- it's the law! Here are some rules to live by:

• A rear-facing seat is to be used until your baby is one year old AND weighs at least 22lbs. After that a forward-facing seat can be used according to that seat's guidelines.
• Booster seats are needed for older children 40 to 100lbs.
• Make sure that you read the car seat's instruction manual to insure you are using the seat correctly. Remember to mail in the registration card that comes with the seat to ensure you will be notified incase of a recall.
• Never let your child ride in a car without using a car seat or a seatbelt. Make sure that they are harnessed in according to the seat's instructions.
• Never put a child or child seat in front of an airbag. The backseat is the safest seat.
• Try to park in the shade to keep metal buckles on car seats or seat belts from getting too hot and burning your child.

Need a car seat? If you live in Orange, Sullivan, or Ulster counties call Maternal-Infant Services Network at 845-928-7448 ext.14 and ask Julie how she can help you.

To have a trained certified technician properly install your car seat, visit the National Highway Safety Administration's website, www.nhtsa.dot.gov to find an inspection station near you. Have a wonderful fun, safe summer with your family and friends!

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.