Child Car Seats - Topic Overview
Infant and child car seats save lives. The laws in each state are different. Most states require them for all children under age 4 and those weighing less than 40lb. But some states require car seats to be used for children up to age 6 or 60lb.
A child who is not in a car seat can be seriously injured or killed during a crash or an abrupt stop, even at low speeds. A parent's arms are not strong enough to hold and protect a baby during a car accident. Many unrestrained children die because they are torn from an adult's arms during an accident.
Set a good example for your children by always wearing your own seat belt, and always insist that they buckle up.
Requirements for car seats
Buy a car seat appropriate for your child's current weight and age:1
- Use an infant car seat that reclines and faces the rear until your baby is at least 1 year
of age and weighs at least
20lb. See a picture
of a rear-facing car seat
. - Use a toddler seat that
faces the front and has a shield or harness for babies and children who are at
least 1 year of age and weigh at least
20lb. Stay with this
type of seat until your child outgrows it [usually about age 4 and about
40lb]. Some infant
seats can be converted into toddler seats. See a picture of a
front-facing car seat .
- Use a booster seat for children who are at least age 4 and weigh at least
40lb. Booster seats
raise the child and allow him or her to see out of the window. See a picture of
a booster seat . Use regular lap and shoulder belts. Adjust the shoulder belt to
fit across the shoulder, not the neck. Stay with this type of seat until at
least age 8 or when your child is
4ft9in tall.
Never buy a used car seat. If a car seat has been recalled or has been in an accident or misused, it may not fully protect your baby.
Proper positioning
The safest position for your baby or child is in the back, middle seat of the car.2
- Do not place your child's car seat in the front seat of any vehicle with a passenger side air bag that cannot be turned off.
- Do not allow anyone younger than age 13 to sit in the front seat of any vehicle with a passenger side air bag that cannot be turned off.
- Make sure a rear-facing seat is at an angle where your infant's head does not flop forward.
- Take extra care if you have a premature infant. Slouching may affect his or her breathing and oxygen supply.
For maximum safety, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for car seat use, which should include weight guidelines, installation procedures, and how to position and secure your child. Cars manufactured since September 2002 are equipped with a standardized car safety seat attachment system. This feature allows parents to secure the car seat onto a permanently installed hook. Also, some newer cars are available with built-in car seats to accommodate children between 20lb and 40lb.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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