Before your baby arrives you will need to get an infant car seat. It is the law that all babies must ride in approved car seats. You will need one before your baby leaves the hospital. The hospital staff will ask you to sign a form saying you have an infant car seat in the vehicle that is taking your baby home.
All Children Must Ride in Car Seats —- It’s the Law.
Babies are not safe in parents’ arms. In an accident, it is unlikely you would be able to hold your baby tightly enough in your arms to protect him from what can happen. Experts have studied the best ways to keep babies safe in cars. The laws are patterned after this research.
The safest place for your baby is in the backseat. While front seat airbags protect adults and older children, they can badly hurt a baby or small child who is in a car seat.
Even if the car is moving at a low speed, an infant may fly forward and hit the dashboard or fly out of the car seat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a list of approved car seats on their web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. You can also call them for help at +1 888-327-4236. Your local health department. hospitals, or your doctor’s office can also help you to find a car seat.
—- from First5 Advice for New Parents.
