A nurse is providing teaching about car seat safety to the parent of a term newborn. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A.
“I should place a rolled blanket along each side of my baby’s head in the car seat.”
B.
“I should place my baby’s car seat rear-facing until 6 months of age.”
C.
“I should put the car seat retainer clip at the level of my baby’s belly button.”
D.
“I should position my baby’s car seat at a 90-degree angle in the car.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A: “I should place a rolled blanket along each side of my baby’s head in the car seat.”
Explanation:
When it comes to car seat safety for newborns, proper positioning and support are crucial. The safest way to transport a newborn is in a rear-facing car seat that is correctly installed in the vehicle. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Therefore, option B, which states that the seat should be rear-facing only until 6 months, is incorrect and indicates a misunderstanding of safe practices.
The statement in option C regarding the position of the retainer clip is also inaccurate. The retainer clip should actually be positioned at the level of the infant’s armpits, not at the belly button. This ensures that the harness fits snugly across the shoulders, providing proper restraint in the event of a collision.
Option D suggests positioning the car seat at a 90-degree angle, which is also incorrect. For newborns, the seat should be reclined at a proper angle (typically between 30 to 45 degrees) to prevent their head from falling forward, which can obstruct their airway.
On the other hand, option A is correct because placing rolled blankets along the sides of the baby’s head provides additional support and helps keep the infant in a safe position, preventing excessive movement during travel. This practice helps stabilize the head and neck, which is particularly important for newborns who have limited neck strength.
In summary, understanding and implementing these guidelines is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of newborns while traveling in a vehicle. Proper use of car seats significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of an accident.