It goes without saying – parenting is a huge responsibility. So much goes into caring for children, including basics like good nutrition and keeping their fingers out of the electric sockets. When it comes to child rearing outside of the home, one of the scariest places for many parents is the road.
Your own driving skills can go a long way toward keeping you and your children safe in the car . However, to be certain you have the best protection for your child in the event something happens, make sure you are using the right car seat to keep your child safe.
Infants
It is one of the most fragile times in a child’s life, and it’s important to make sure the car seat you select for a child in infancy reflects that.
Make sure that any child aged one or younger is always in a rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing car seats help protect your child from injuries to the spine, neck or head. Some of these car seats are convertible, so you can begin with a rear-facing car seat with your infant and turn the seat around when your child gets older.
Toddlers
Not all children grow at the same rate. Some toddlers are in a size group that dictates they should remain rear facing when in a car, and some kids are big enough they can be moved to a front-facing car seat. It is important to keep track of the weight and height limits on your car seat and adjust it as your child grows.
Older children
Children that are over the size and weight limit for a rear-facing car seat will require a front-facing car seat with a safety harness. Once a child grows past the weight and height limits of the front-facing car seat, the child may be moved to a booster seat.
Booster seats will keep your child in an elevated position that is able to ensure the safety benefits of a normal seat belt. Older children, who have outgrown their booster seats, can sit in the back seat with a normal safety belt.
In case of an accident
Being in a car accident is frightening enough without having your children in the car. If the worst happens and your child is injured in a crash , make sure everyone has the medical help they need and contact a South Carolina auto accident attorney right away. Keep documentation of any injuries sustained by you or your children.
The skilled South Carolina auto accident attorney s at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers are here to help if you and your family have experienced a car crash. We have offices in Columbia, Greenville, Orangeburg, Charleston, Walterboro, and Moncks Corner, and can also meet you at home for a free case evaluation. We can help walk you through this difficult time and make sure you know your rights.