As personal injury attorneys, we want to remind parents and caregivers that there are more seat belts than just those found in cars. Parents concentrate on buckling their child correctly into cars, and for good reason. However, they don’t take other seat belts as seriously. For example, many parents place their children in high chairs, strollers, shopping carts, wagons, and swings without properly buckling them in. We wanted to share some tips on how to properly buckle your child to minimize a risk of injury. Here are our tips:
If there is a seat belt, use it. Many parents set their children in seats and don’t strap them in. The seat belt is there for a reason and can protect the child from falling.
Adjust the seat belt to fit your child. Make sure it is tight around the child’s waist and shoulders. If it is only a lap belt, stay with your child at all times. Lap belts do not keep the child’s upper body from collapsing, which can cause them to topple out of the belt or cause the whole chair or swing to fall over.
If the seat belt is not adjustable, consider tying a small knot in the belt to tighten it, or place a blanket around the child’s waist to make it thicker. Again, always remain with your child; do not leave her unattended in a seat or swing.
Make sure all caregivers know how important it is to use seat belts to secure your child. Talk to them about how to adjust them and how to use them.
If the chair does not have a seat belt, do not use it. Carry your child instead. Never place your child in a shopping cart or swing without securing them.
If your child is injured in a child injury accident, contact us today. We work to represent children and their families in seeking a settlement that can help pay for rehabilitation costs and more. These types of injuries are very serious and should be treated as such.