Christmas is just around the corner. It is the busiest season for family travel and we all know traveling with kids is no easy task. Parents should get a medal for pulling it off successfully! Here are some of Safety 1st’s tips for doing just that:
Prepare beyond packing the suitcase:
1. Prepare your child – Holiday parties can cause sensory overload for young children. It’s good to talk about the upcoming trip days, even weeks, in advance. Show photos of family members or friends your child has not met yet. This way, the new face may not seem so unfamiliar.
2. Prepare the guest room – If your child will be sleeping in a Play Yard during the trip, use it for bed or nap time the entire week before. This will help him or her get used to a new sleep environment.
3. Keep tabs on your explorer – In any home, sharp corners are inevitable. Soften the edges of an unfamiliar house with Foam Edge Protectors or an Expandable Table Edge Bumper. The Lift, Lock & Swing Gate is great for blocking off new staircases that your little one may want to venture down.
Time to hit the road!
4. Before you head out – check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police station, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.
5. On the road – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises children remain rear facing until the age of two. According to a study in the Journal of Injury Prevention children under the age of two are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in the event of a car crash if they are rear facing. For older children, the AAP recommends they ride in boosters until the age of 12 or are 57 inches tall. Booster seats reduce injury risk by 59% compared to just seat belts alone.
6. In the skies – If you are flying, check to make sure your car seat is FAA certified. If it’s not clearly labeled contact the manufacturer. The Safety 1st Store ‘n Go Booster can double as a kid survival kit and it’s FAA certified.
Safe travels to all of our readers this holiday season!
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