New Resources for Parents to Keep Children Safe in Cars During COVID-19

New Resources for Parents to Keep Children Safe in Cars During COVID-19

Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW) has teamed up with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide parents and caregivers with new resources to support them in properly installing and using car seats and to remind anyone who may drive in a vehicle with a child that, without exception, children should be safely restrained in appropriate car or booster seats, every ride, every time. 

To support parents and caregivers, SKW and JPMA are offering a suite of new, web-based resources on child passenger safety best practices, along with special information specific to the partial shutdown of in-person car seat inspection stations, including:

• Ultimate Car Seat Guide – This interactive tool provides expert guidance to parents on everything from how to fit a child into a car seat to how to know when it is time to move to a new type of seat.
• Live Assistance from Manufacturer Product Specialists – While Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician programs and inspections are less available now, manufacturers are “essential” and continue to help parents use their car seats correctly. This compilation lists customer service phone numbers, websites, hours and video assistance opportunities.
• Phone Call with Your Local Safe Kids Coalition – Many local Safe Kids coalitions have certified child passenger safety technicians who are available to answer your specific questions over the phone. Visit safekids.org to find a coalition near you.
• Car Seat Cleaning Tips for COVID-19 – During a time when we are especially focused on keeping things sanitary, families can access the latest information from their car seat manual or by contacting the manufacturer of their car seat.
• Interactive Map of State Law Requirements – Car seats, booster seats and seat belts are required in all states and territories, and laws specify how children must be protected by properly used car seats, booster seats or seat belts.
• Heatstroke Prevention Tips – In the past two years, more than 100 children died of heatstroke because they were alone or became trapped in a hot car. During COVID-19, be especially careful to avoid this type of tragedy by reviewing these tips.

These educational resources and other important information are available on the Safe Kids Worldwide website.