Safe Sleep and Travel:
SAFE SLEEP
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (or SIDS for short), is the leading cause of death among infants under the age of one in the United States, claiming the lives of over 2,500 babies every year. SIDS is not an illness or disease, rather it is the diagnosis given when an infant dies suddenly without an apparent cause. The rate of SIDS has decreased by 50% in the last decade, however, thanks to parents who have learned a few simple steps to helping their child sleep safely.
Don’t have a crib? Contact your case manager to see if we have donated certified cribs on hand. When you receive your crib, your case manager will give you a brief safety course on how to set it up and use it safely.
The Northwest Infant Survival and SIDS Alliance NISSA has good information on safe sleep for infants:
SAFE TRAVEL
A child safety seat my not protect your child in a crash, if it isn't used correctly and installed properly in your vehicle. Take a minute to check to be sure.
See Below for some great information on car seat safety, from Mary Bridge, including how to choose the proper seat for your child.
Every state and country has its own child restraint laws. In the state of Washington, RCW 46.61.687 requires:
Vehicle occupants of any age must be restrained properly. The driver is held responsible for properly securing all passengers under the age of 16.
Children under age 13 must ride in the back seat, whenever practical to do so.
Children must ride in an appropriate car safety seat until they reach age 8 or 4’9” tall, whichever comes first. Car safety seats (i.e. car seats or booster seats) must be used according the manufacturer’s instructions.
Children who have reached age 8 or 4’9” tall may ride in an adult seat belt IF it fits properly. If the seat belt cannot be adjusted properly on the child’s body, continue to use a car safety seat until it does.
Choosing the Right Seat
Washington law does not offer specific suggestions for when it is safe to move a child from one type of car seat to another.