2016 Summer Kansas Child

Planning your
summer trip?
Don’t let safety take a vacation
By Cherie Sage
State Director, Safe Kids Kansas
Whether heading out for a weekend
of camping or trekking across the
U.S. on a destination vacation, many
of us will be traveling this summer.
And, traveling with children guarantees
an adventure.
While you are out making great
memories, here are a few tips to help
ensure your stories have happy endings.
Tips for car travel
•§
A car or other vehicle will be likely be
involved in some leg of your trip. Make sure
everyone is appropriately buckled — babies
and toddlers in car seats, older children in
booster seats, and adults and older kids
wearing seat belts. If the car is moving,
everyone must be buckled.
•§
If you are a breastfeeding Mom, pull over
for breaks. It is unsafe, and illegal, to hold
your child on your lap when the vehicle is
moving on the road, even for something as
healthy as breastfeeding.
•§
Kids do better when they are able to take
regular breaks and run off that pent-up
energy. When planning your travel, take
into consideration frequent bathroom and
leg-stretching breaks. But, never leave a
child alone in the car, even for a minute. The
inside of a vehicle can become dangerously
hot in a matter of minutes.
Pack the car seats
•§
If you are traveling by plane, take your
children’s car seats with you. Children’s
forward-facing harness seats that are FAA
approved typically can be used on a plane’s
window seat. All other car seats and booster
seats can be gate-checked.
•§
When you reach your destination, whether
you take a taxi, ride with family or friends, or
get a rental vehicle, you’ll have your own car
seats that you are familiar with and that you
know fit your children.
•§
While some rental companies have car seats
available for an additional fee, many of these
seats are missing instruction manuals and
might not be in good condition. Even with
your own car seats, be sure you read your car
seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual
so you know how to correctly lock the car
seat into an unfamiliar vehicle. It’s not as
simple as just buckling the seat belt.
•§
If you are uncertain or have trouble getting
your car seat installed, contact a certified
car seat technician. They will help ensure
your child is as safe as possible, and in a
correctly installed seat. To find a car seat
inspection station near you, visit www.
kansascarseatcheck.org.
14 Kansas Child A Publication of Child Care Aware ® of Kansas