CAR SEATS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS — PREMATURE BABIES

If your baby was born prematurely (early) or is small, the following information will help you transport your child safely:

· Select a car safety seat that fits your baby. Seats that have the shortest distance from the seat back to the crotch strap will help keep your baby from slouching. Seats that have the shortest distance from the harness slots to the seat bottom will fit better by keeping the harness over your baby's shoulders and holding your baby in the seat.

· Do not use a car safety seat with a shield or tray. In a crash or sudden stop, your small baby's neck or head could hit the shield or tray.

· Place rolled receiving blankets on both sides of your baby to center him or her in the car safety seat. Place a rolled diaper or washcloth between your child's diaper area and the crotch strap to keep your baby from slipping down. Do not place these behind or under the baby.

· Some babies who were born prematurely have breathing problems when they sit semi-reclined in a car safety seat. Make sure that the hospital staff observes and monitors your baby in a car safety seat before going home. Your baby may need to use a car bed if he has any of the following while in a car safety seat:

o A decrease in oxygen levels

o Slow heart rate

o Apnea (breathing stops for a moment or two)

Car beds that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards allow babies to travel while lying down. There are many reasons why a baby may need to travel in a car bed, including the following:

· Problems breathing when sitting upright or semi-reclined

· Decreased muscle control

· Bones that break very easily

· Recent surgery on the spine

· Wearing a cast

At this time there are a number of car beds available. They are designed for babies, not larger children. Although the beds vary in design, all of them must be installed lengthwise with the baby's head toward the center of the car.