Are you eagerly anticipating the arrival of your first child? The mixture of excitement and apprehension is completely understandable as you prepare for this life-changing event. Amidst the whirlwind of preparations, one crucial aspect demands you utmost attention: ensuring the safety and comfort for your newborn during their inaugural journey home.
Gear up the journey ahead with confidence as we provide essential tips for safe travels with your newborn.
1. Select the right car seat: your first act of protection
The journey into parenthood begins with safeguarding your little one, starting with careful selection of the right car seat. In UAE, the law mandates the use of an approved safety car seat for your baby. When choosing a car seat, prioritize safety, quality and longevity. Ensuring it provides optimal protection for your precious cargo.
Enter the realm of peace of mind with options like Axkid One+2, it has passed the toughest crash test on earth- Swedish Plus Test, it provides top level of safety for your baby and accommodate your child from newborn to approximately 6/7 years old.
Alternatively explore the innovative BeSafe Izi Twist B i-Size, renowned for its swivel design, seamlessly blending convenience with uncompromising safety. Its Swedish Plus Tested as well, offering a supportive fit from newborn to 105cm/18kg which is approximately 4 years old.
2. Mastering installation: Empowerment through preparation
Once you have selected your car seat, we recommend you to practice installing the car seat well in advance of your due date, acquainting yourself with the process to instill unwavering confidence in your ability to ensure a secure fit.
While the middle seat in the back of the car is optimal for safety, adaptability is key, with the right or left rear seats serving as viable alternatives.The safest place to fit the car seat is on the middle seat in the back of the car as this reduces the risk of injury from a side-impact crash. However, this may not always be practical as the middle seat can be raised by the drive shaft. Alternatively, use the right or left seat in the back.
3. Nurturing Safety: Feed and shield your precious cargo
To minimize disruptions during your journey home, feed your baby before departure. A well-fed baby is more likely to remain content and sleep peacefully throughout the trip. Should your newborn become unsettled en route, find a safe location to pull over and attend to their needs. Remember, never hold your baby in your arms while the vehicle is in motion, as it poses significant risks in the event of sudden braking or impact.
4. Ensure comfortable travel conditions
Small babies can become overheated or chilled very quickly. Make sure your little one is warm and comfortable, but remember that too many layers added to the seat may cause your newborn to get too hot. And remember that bulky clothing include winter coats, should not be worn underneath the harness of the car seat. In a car crash, fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.
5. Plan for necessary stops: prioritize your newborn's well-being
To promote your newborn's comfort and safety, plan your journey with consideration for their needs. Newborns should not remain in a car seat for more than 45 minutes at a time, while older babies should not exceed 2 hours of continuous seating due to muscle development concerns.
To wrap it up: embark on your parenting journey with confidence from day one by prioritizing safety and preparation. At Safety On Board Middle East, we're committed to ensuring your peace of mind as you navigate the joys and responsibilities of parenthood.
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