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Remember, you must have a car seat to take your baby home from the hospital. You will need to know how to properly install and use a car seat.
Here are some helpful tips to getting your car seat ready:
- You need a safety-approved rear facing infant car seat.
- Follow the car seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual to install and use the car seat correctly. The car seat should be placed in the back seat, away from all air bags. If possible, an adult should sit in the back seat next to the baby to watch your baby closely.
- If the rear facing car seat must be in the front seat, such as in a pick-up truck, please make sure the air bag option has been turned off.
- After you install the car seat, get a car seat inspection. St. Joe’s offers a free car seat inspection by appointment only. Call the Car Seat Hotline at 734-712-9437 to schedule your appointment. A list of certified CPS Technicians is also available by state or ZIP code on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at nhtsa.gov.
- Many communities have car seat inspection sites. You can check what is available by calling 866-SEATCHECK or seatcheck.org. Many car dealerships offer car seat inspections. Ask AAA if they offer car seat inspections.
Things you need for a car seat check
Have a car seat purchased by you for your child. If you have received a car seat from a friend or relative please get a FULL history of the car seat.
Questions to ask the friend or relative:
- Was this seat bought new?
- Was this seat EVER involved in a motor vehicle accident?
- Was the recall notice sent to the manufacturer?
Things to bring with you to the inspection
You will need to bring with you the following:
- Car seat to be checked.
- Back of the car cleaned out so we can maneuver in it.
- A vehicle that the car seat will be in.
- The baby that will be using the car seat.
- The owner’s manual for the vehicle.
- The owner’s manual for the car seat.
Remember: Car seats are inspected by appointment only. Please call 734-712-9437
Having Car Seat Problems?
Website Links American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Kids
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