Whether in a car, truck or SUV, child safety seats save lives and prevent injuries. Do you how to use them?

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare-- connecting families with CHIP and Children’s Medicaid.

Protecting an infant is the goal of every parent. And one way to make sure “baby” travels safely is to remember that infant and child seats always go in the back seat of your vehicle, never in the front. The infant seat must face the rear of the vehicle. And it must be secured by a safety belt. Never install a rear-facing safety seat in the front of a vehicle equipped with an activated airbag.

Finally - NEVER carry a baby in your lap when riding in a car. In a 30-mile per hour crash, an unrestrained child is thrown forward with the same force as falling from a three- story building!

Keep your kids healthy. Call toll-free 1-877-KIDS NOW for information or when it’s time to renew your children’s health insurance. That’s 1-877-KIDS NOW.