Car Seat Safety

 

The State requires that you take your baby home in a newborn car seat that complies with federal standards and the Indiana Child Restraint Guidelines.

You can bring the newborn car seat when you arrive or be sure to have someone bring it after your delivery.

Your nurse will ask you about your car seat arrangements during your Stork's Nest visit. Current guidelines advise against the use of a used car seat unless the history of the seat is known.

If you aren't sure if your car seat, seat belts or car complies with these standards, the Henry County Heatlh Department provides an inspection by their Certified Car Seat Technician. Henry County Safe Kids also holds a free Car Seat Fitting program. Call 765.521.7053 for more information.

Before you go home your nurse will show you where to place the car seat and give you general information on how to use it.

Newborns should ride in the back seat, facing the rear window of the car. Sometimes very small babies require a special kind of car seat. If your baby is born early or weighs less than about 5 pounds you will need a car seat specifically designed for babies less than 5 pounds.