Medical Condition Specific

How should my child with no upper body tone travel safely in the car?

If your child is under forty pounds he should be able to ride in a conventional child safety seat. You may wish to use rolled towels along your child's sides to help support him. No padding should be placed behind the child. Other options for children over forty pounds include a forward facing medical seat, travel vest or wheelchair. A list of products is available here.

My child has ADHD and won't stay in his car seat/seat belt. What should I do?

This is a common problem for many children. The first step is to be sure the car seat is appropriate for your child. If he or she is under 40 pounds and in a harness system, be sure the harness straps are tight. You can test for tightness by trying to pinch the webbing. You should not be able to gather any excess webbing. If the child unbuckles the car seat you may contact the manufacturer to see if they make a buckle cover. A cover is also available for seat belt buckles. Be sure to never tape or adapt and buckle as it may cause a problem in an emergency situation or alter the integrity of the buckle itself.

You may also try providing your child with rewards for staying buckled up. For instance three rides without unbuckling could be worth an extra story at bedtime. In some circumstances children may require a travel vest which zips in the back and does not allow them to get out of the motor vehicle safety restraint.

My child is scheduled for surgery that will require a spica cast. How can she travel safely in the car?

Depending on the size and positioning of the cast, your child may fit in their conventional child safety seat. If not, children under 40 pounds may use a seat designed especially for this purpose called the Spelcast seat. This seat is often available through loaner programs at hospitals. You may also purchase the seat through the vendor, Snug Seat (800.336.7684). If your child is over 40 pounds (with the weight of the cast) she may use an E-Z-On Modified Vest. This vest allows her to lie on the vehicle seat and be secured by two seat belts through the vest. These might also be available through loaner programs and may be purchased by calling 800.323.6598. It is imperative that your child be properly secured regardless of being in a cast.

Seat Selection

I just gave birth to twins who are premature and weigh under 5 pounds. What kind of car seat should I use?

Small babies fit best in rear facing infant seats with a five point harnesss. Many infant seats are designed for children over 5 pounds. Look for an infant seat that lists the weight range as birth to 20 or 22 pounds. Additionally, you should seek a seat with harnesses that measure 8" or less from the crack of the car seat to the lowest harness slot. This will help position the baby's shoulders above, or very close to, the lowest harness slot.

No additionally padding should be added to the seat with the exception of positioning rolls that may be placed along side (never behind) the child. A rolled wash cloth may also be placed between the diaper and buckle to keep the baby from sliding down.

Children this small may be at risk for respiratory conditions that could be exacerbated by being positioned in a car seat. Prior to leaving the hospital the babies should be tested to be sure that the car seat position does not affect their breathing or heart rate. This is commonly referred to as a car seat tolerance test. If your baby does have an issue in the car seat, he or she may need a car bed to lie flat for transport in the car.

Vehicle Issues

Where can I go to get my van adapted for a wheelchair?

There are numerous businesses throughout the country that specialize in this service.

In Connecticut you may contact: Ride A Way, 104 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Tel: 860.282.8202.

Miscellaneous

My child travels with an oxygen tank and apnea monitor. Do I need to take any precautions to secure them in the car?

These items should be secured so that they do not become flying object in the event of a crash or sudden stop. At this time, there is no single product available to secure medical devices. Try wedging the equipment on the vehicle floor with pillows or securing it with seat belts not being used by other passengers. Make sure that any devices with batteries are charged for at least double the length of your trip.