Did you know that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages 14 and under?  Nine out of every ten child safety seats are misused in Indiana, which mirrors national trends.  Of those misused, 80% of the parents felt that their child safety seat was correctly installed.

Tips to Remember

• Before purchasing car seat, read your vehicle Owner's Manual.
• Read and keep car seat instruction manual handy.
• Middle backseat in the safest place.
• Make sure the car seat has a Child ID Sticker on it (available by calling 317-415-7447)
• Practice with the car seat BEFORE baby is born.
• Instruct all caregivers on proper use and installation of the car seat.
• Do not use any car seat accessories that were not obtained with the car seat or through the car seat manufacturer (i.e. head supports, bundlings, etc.).
• Be aware of recalls!!!
• Never use a car seat that has been involved in a crash.
• If using a second-hand seat, only use one that has come from a close friend or family member and know the crash history.
• Pull over to check on baby if necessary (Do NOT reach back!).
• Distractions = Accidents

Car Seat Safety Inspections

We know your child's safety is important to you, so St.Vincent Women's Hospital offers car seat inspections at the Indianapolis campus.  The St.Vincent site is grant funded by the Automotive Safety Program for 10 hours of inspections per month.  Inspections are done by appointment only and are free of charge unless it is determinded that a replacement seat is needed.  Inspections last approximately 30 minutes per child/car seat.  Spots fill quickly so please call early.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 317-415-7447.

***PLEASE NOTE:  Car seat inspections are not done as part of your postpartum stay and are not available on the Family Care Unit prior to discharge.