Infants and Young ChildrenEveryone in a vehicle needs protection! This includesinfants and all other children. Neither the distancetraveled nor the age and size of the traveler changesthe need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,the law in every state in the United States and inevery Canadian province says children up to some agemust be restrained while in a vehicle.{ CAUTION:Children can be seriously injured or strangled if ashoulder belt is wrapped around their neck andthe safety belt continues to tighten. Never leavechildren unattended in a vehicle and never allowchildren to play with the safety belts.Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection foradults and older children, but not for young childrenand infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system norits airbag system is designed for them. Every timeinfants and young children ride in vehicles, they shouldhave the protection provided by appropriate childrestraints.Children who are not restrained properly can strikeother people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.{ CAUTION:Never do this.Never hold an infant or a child while riding in avehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a childwill become so heavy it is not possible to hold itduring a crash. For example, in a crash at only25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) infant willsuddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on aperson’s arms. An infant should be secured in anappropriate restraint.1-36
