Top Car Safety Tips for Babies and Toddlers

For your child's sake and your own peace of mind, make sure your car safety smarts are up to par. Following the best practices for infant car seat safety can help ensure your little one's safety on the road.

9 Baby Car Safety Tips to Follow

Here are some helpful tips:

• Before you ever put your vehicle in gear, check to see exactly where your child is. That way there's no chance of accidentally hitting them.

• Until checking becomes a reflex, put a small picture of your child on the visor or on your key ring to help you remember.

• Always look before closing automatic windows, and always use your car's automatic door and window locks to keep your baby or toddler safe inside. The locks ensure that they can't toss things out the window or get their hands caught.

• In older cars, use the manual locks and position the car seat away from windows and doors.

• Always use a federally approved, age- and size-appropriate car seat. For infant car seat safety tips, consult your car seat's manual.

• Your baby or infant should always ride in the back seat, especially if you have air bags. For newborn car seat safety practices, keep them away from airbags.

• Make your car a no-smoking zone.

• Never leave your child alone in the car, not even for a minute.

• Be sure your child isn't in direct sunlight while they're in the car. Move them to the center of the back seat, make sure your infant is secured in car seat correctly, and use a window screen if necessary.