Whether staying local or traveling cross-country this summer, safety comes first. We checked in with pediatrician and child safety expert Dr. Laura Jana, on tips she applies to her own life as a mother of three. “I don’t know any parent who wants to skimp on safety,” she says. Dr. Jana advises that safety is not an option or a compromise. Make it part of your family’s non-negotiable routine.
In Cars
Use a car seat as long as possible — until the child no longer fits within the weight and height limits of the seat. Look for a car seat with side wings by the head and a deep body on the sides, to optimize head and neck protection. Comfort is an added feature: If the child is content, he won’t mind sitting in it.
In Taxis
Remember that taxis are vehicles too, and holding a child on your lap does not provide magical protection. For an infant, opt for a car seat system attached to a stroller. Quickly click the car seat into place, and store the stroller in the cab’s trunk.
On Planes
Consider buying a seat for a child under age 2, and sit him in a car seat on the plane (if that’s not possible, look for flights that are not as busy and may have a chance of an empty seat). Front pouch carriers are OK, except for takeoff and landing. For lighter travel, the CARES child restraint is an FAA-approved harness-style child safety device for kids 22 to 44 lbs.
And remember to model good behavior for your child: Wear a seatbelt in the car, a lifejacket on a boat and a helmet on a bike.