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Car Seat

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You should plan to attend a car seat class hosted by Baby’s First Ride.

  • Classes are held at 9:30 a.m., Monday- Saturday, in the family waiting room across from the main elevators on the 4th floor.

  • Bring your car seat, base and all of your questions to the class.

  • Feel free to bring any family members who would benefit. Appointments for in-car inspections will be scheduled at the end of class if needed.

Baby's First Ride​

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  • A car seat must be purchased to fit your baby’s weight. The manufacturer has recommended weight limits on the box. Car seats either have a manufacture date or an expiration date printed on it. If the car seat has a manufacture date you will need to refer to manual for expiration date. Or, if the car seat has an expiration date, please double check to make sure your baby’s car seat has not expired.  

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  • If the car seat has been in an accident it should be replaced. Accidents cause micro-fractures in the seat making them more likely to fail if another accident would occur.

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  • Car seats for newborns should always face the rear of the vehicle, and be in the backseat for safety, for at least the first two years of life. 
     

  • Baby’s bottom should be in the crease at the bottom back of the car seat with baby’s back firmly against the back of the car seat with the shoulder harness at or just below the level of baby’s shoulders. The clip should be at the level of the armpits in the center of the baby’s chest.

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  • Dress baby in an outfit with arms and legs so that the harness fits properly. Do not put thick coat or clothing on baby in the car seat. Put baby in car seat with clothing, buckle harness straps and then cover with a blanket.

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  • The harness should fit snugly with only 1 finger’s width between the shoulder and strap. You should not be able to pinch up the strap material.

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  • If baby’s head needs more support, rolled blankets can be placed on either side of the baby after the harness is secured.

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  • If your baby needs a car seat trial, it will last approximately 90 minutes in order to mimic a long car ride. It is usually begun just after a feeding and last at least 90 minutes to make sure that the baby can tolerate the position in a car seat. Our NICU has defined criteria for performing a car seat trial, and the Doctor/NNP will order a trial if your baby falls into the criteria. A car seat tolerance test is done to ensure that your baby is able to maintain normal breathing and heart rate patterns when sitting upright, and properly secured, in a car seat.

Infant Car Seat

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