Child Passenger Safety

Protecting Young Riders

There are many car seat choices on the market. It’s important to select and use the correct car seat for your child’s age, weight, height and developmental needs. Options range from car seats and booster seats to adaptive car seats or seat restraints for children with disabilities. 

With proper selection and installation, children can enjoy the ride while you keep your eyes on the road. Phoenix Children’s injury prevention team includes some road safety experts who are here to help protect all passengers and busy adults.

Car Seat Classes and Seat Inspections

Phoenix Children’s offers hands-on training and car seat inspections for expectant parents, parents of infants and children up to 8 years old, grandparents, and caregivers. Our trained experts provide car seat education, installation guidance, safety checks, and consultation. Call 602-933-3350 to schedule a session. 

Adaptive Equipment for Children with Varying Healthcare Needs

Kids with certain or complex medical conditions may require specialized equipment for extra protection, positioning and support when traveling in a car. For example, a child may have a fragile hip or bone disorder, a partial or full body cast, braces, post-surgical wounds, or weight and size restrictions. They may not be able to sit upright or fit in a conventional car seat. 

Examples of adaptive safety-seat alternatives include medical seats and conventional five-point harness or modified lay-down vest. If your child has special healthcare needs, Phoenix Children’s physicians and care providers can refer you for individualized consultations with a specialist as needed to ensure safe travel for our patients.

Apps to Make it Easier

Phone apps are handy when you’re looking for the right car seat, booster seat or other child safety restraint options. Search “car seat helper” in the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. Available in English and Spanish.

Hot Car Safety 

Dangers to children include potential heatstroke — especially in Arizona – even in cooler temps or when you crack the car windows and leave on the air-conditioning. Watch this hot car risk demonstration to learn more.

Teen Drivers 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that teen drivers have a higher risk of car crashes and injuries due to:

• Distractions (phones, food, drink and music)
• Driving with teen passengers
• Getting a license at a younger age 
• Lack of driving experience
• Nighttime driving
• Not wearing seat belts
• Poor hazard-perception skills
• Speeding

These resources help protect teens and other drivers:

• Arizona GDL (graduated driver’s licensing) laws
• Parent-teen driver agreement
  • Parent-teen driving agreement (Español) 
• For parents: your teen’s pre-drive checklist 

Resources – Child Passenger Safety

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the safest place in a car for children under 12 is properly buckled up in the back seat. Before you go, check state and national laws for the latest rules and recommendations: 

• Car seat buying guide  
• Car seat education class– registration flyer for parents, parents-to-be and caregivers
• Clase de educación sobre asientos de seguridad del auto para padres, futuros padres y cuidadores-volante
• Child safety guide for parents (flyer)
• Parents’ guide to keeping kids safe in and around the car    
• Safety first: choosing and using the right car seat or booster seat  
• Child passenger safety laws by state
• Types of safety restraints and use – by age, size and other criteria