The Holiday Season is once again upon us. Along with the joy of family celebrations the season brings increased travel for many people, children included. When making your travel plans, don’t forget to include safety. Planning ahead can help reduce the stress levels that are often increased during holiday travel and help ensure a safe and happy trip.
If traveling by car, make sure the kids are properly restrained.
Rear-facing seats: At a minimum, keep children rear-facing until age 1 and at least 20 pounds, longer if the child seat has a higher weight limit.
Forward-facing seats: When children outgrow their rear-facing seats they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat.
Booster Seats: Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats, they should ride in booster seats, until the vehicle safety belts fit correctly. Safety belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest.
Safety belts: When children outgrow their booster seats, they can use the adult safety belt if it fits properly
Kids under age 13 should always ride in the back seat of the vehicle.
If traveling by air, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends the following.
A child weighing less than 20 pounds should use a rear-facing child restraint.
A child weighing 20 to 40 pounds should use a forward-facing child restraint.
A child weighing more than 40 pounds should use the airplane safety belt.
A child may also use an alternative device, such as a harness-type device, if it is approved by FAA.
More information about traveling with children is available on the FAA web site at www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
Parents also need to be properly restrained whether flying or driving. Buckle up every trip every time and help make this a safe holiday season. Travel safely, Happy Holidays!
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