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Keep the Car Safety Seat in Your Car's Back Seat

Last Updated: April 05, 2011

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Parenting Tips for Your 8 Month Old Baby

If your baby is more than 20 pounds, then you may have moved to a larger child safety seat by now. Be sure it is still a rear-facing car seat, correctly installed in the back seat. Many people use a convertible child seat at this age. It will still face the rear. Later on after your baby is two years old or when he reaches the highest weight or height allowed by his car seat's manufacturer, it can be strapped in facing forward.

Never, ever allow a child in the front seat with an active air bag. The force of the air bag will injure or even kill any child. It is never recommended that your child ever rides in the front seat. It is a dangerous place for him.

Use your baby’s car safety seat for every ride. Everyone else should wear seat belts. Don’t allow yelling, horseplay or other distractions when you drive. If your child needs attention, pull off the road and stop. Never turn around in your seat when you’re driving. Never leave your baby alone in the car — even for a few minutes.


Learn more about Your 8 Month Old Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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