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What is the best car seat for my child?
The best car seat is one that meets your child's age and size requirements and is compatible with your car. Children are safer in the back seat of the vehicle. Generally, the middle seating position is the safest place in the car, but ONLY IF the child's car seat and the vehicle seat are compatible and you can get a tight fit. Due to the countless variations of car seats, vehicle seats and safety belt systems, the most important thing you can do to make sure your child's car seat is installed properly is to thoroughly read BOTH your car seat manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual.
For more information visit www.safe2Go.co.nz

At what age should I turn my infant's car seat around to face forward?
An infant should stay rear-facing until at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds to reduce the risk of cervical spine injury in the event of a crash. Many infant-only seats and convertible seats are tested up to 20 or 22 pounds rear-facing, which is a problem when an infant reaches 20-22 pounds before his/her first birthday. Fortunately, there are seats for weights higher than 22 pounds in the rear-facing position.

Important: Check labels for these seats to confirm the weight limits! Read both the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual for correct use and installation of your car seat.

 

What about air bags and kids?
Air bags have been designed to help protect adults in a front-end collision, but not children. So it is very important that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat. NEVER put a rear-facing infant in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an active passenger-side air bag. If it is absolutely necessary for a child to ride in the front seat of a car with a passenger-side air bag:

• Never put an infant (less than 1 year old) in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger-side air bag,

• Secure the child in a restraint system that is correct for the size of the child — a front-facing car seat, a booster seat, or a lap/shoulder belt,

• Move the front seat as far back away from the dashboard as possible, and

• Never allow a child to lean forward toward the dashboard.

What are some things I should look for in a bike helmet?
Make sure the bike helmet meets safety standards. From 1 January 1997, all new helmets must be certified to a standard approved by the Land Transport Safety Authority. Types of helmets that are approved are those certified by Standards New Zealand, Standards Australia, the Snell Memorial Foundation of America, and helmets certified to the ASTM standard by the Safety Equipment Institute.

All helmets must have a sticker inside which states the standard to which the helmet is certified. The bike helmet should sit squarely on your child's head, cover his forehead and not rock side to side or forward to back. Bring your child to the store to try on helmets before you purchase one. Make sure the helmet fits snugly and comfortably when the helmet straps are buckled.

We want to build a pool in our yard, how can we make sure it is safe?
The pool should be surrounded by four-sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates. Adults should be on hand at all times to supervise and should know CPR. It's also important to remember that pool covers are not designed to prevent children from drowning, so watch children carefully even around a pool that's covered. Keep water from collecting on the pool cover surface. NEVER leave a child unsupervised in or around a swimming pool, even for a second.

What makes some playgrounds safer than others?
The safest playgrounds are those that are well maintained (no broken, protruding or loose parts) and have ample soft surfacing. Recommended surface materials include hardwood fiber, mulch chips, pea gravel, fine sand and shredded rubber. Surfacing should be kept at least 12 inches deep and should extend a minimum of 6 feet in all directions around stationary equipment. Avoid playgrounds with asphalt, concrete, grass and soil surfaces under the equipment. Make sure that children are supervised at all times and that they play on age-appropriate equipment.



At what age can my child cross the street alone?
 In general, children 10 and over are able to cross the street safely by themselves. Children under the age of 10 should only cross the street under the supervision of an adult. Children ages 5 to 9 are at greatest risk for pedestrian death and injury. These children tend to think they are more independent than they are. Developmentally, they do not have the skills to make decisions about traffic patterns and do not clearly perceive danger.

Are baby walkers dangerous?
Yes!  Each year, more than 16,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for baby walker-related injuries. DO NOT USE BABY WALKERS WITH WHEELS. There are several alternatives on the market that are stationary. Look for one that is on a stable, non-moveable base and place it away from stairs, hot appliances and window blind or drapery cords. Remember that children should never be left unattended — whether using a walker alternative or not.
 


What temperature should I set my hot water heater at to protect my child from scalding?
Hot water heaters should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below in order to avoid scald burns to children.

Where in my home should I put the smoke alarm?
Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Central locations such as the living room, the top of the stairwell and outside bedroom doors are good places.

How often should I replace my smoke alarm?
Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. The alarm itself should be replaced every 10 years.



What is a small parts tester and where can I purchase one?
Small Parts Testers, also known as “choke tubes,” are designed for testing which objects are small enough to pose a choking hazard to kids age 3 and under. If the item fits in the tester, it is too small for children this age.