September is National Baby Safety Month and one of the primary ways to keep babies safe when traveling is using the proper car seat.

Greene County Public Health Social Worker Sara Miller says all children need to be in a certified car seat that is not expired, never been involved in a crash and is in good working condition. Miller points out that while all car seats and vehicles are different, adults should adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to properly installing a car seat. 

She notes that general rules are to not secure a baby in a car seat with a coat or jacket on, but secure the child first and then put the jacket or coat on top of the baby. The chest plate should be level with the baby’s armpit and the chest straps should be fastened in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards. Miller talks about the recommended best location to install a car seat.

“So the safest place for the car seat, when possible, is to be placed at the back seat of the car, nearest to the center to avoid any injury during accidents. And also rear-facing for as long as possible, if the car seat is made for that function.”

Miller adds to contact a local hospital or medical center to have a car seat inspected and get help with proper installation with a Certified Car Passenger Safety Technician.