CARRIER SEATS

Most injuries associated with carrier seats result from falls: infants falling out of carrier seats, or the carrier seat falling with the infant still sitting in it. The movements of an active infant can cause the carrier seat to move or tip over. Deaths have occurred when carrier seats or bouncers were placed on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces and then tipped over.

Safety Tips

1. The carrier should have a wide, sturdy base for stability.

2. Stay within arm's reach of the baby when the carrier seat is on tables, counters, or other furniture. Never turn your back. Carrier seats slide more easily on slippery surfaces such as glass table tops.

3. If the carrier seat does not already have non-skid feet, attach rough surfaced adhesive strips to the underside.

4. Always use the safety belts and keep them snug.

5. If the carrier seat contains wire supporting devices which snap on the back, check for security. These can pop out causing the carrier seat to collapse.

6. Never place a carrier seat on soft surfaces such as beds or sofas. The carrier seat may tip over and the baby may strangle or suffocate.

7. REMEMBER-A carrier seat is not always an infant car seat, and should never be used in an automobile unless it is labeled for that purpose.

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