Some types of hip casts make it difficult for an infant or child to fit in most car seats.
Children may need to ride in a special car seat, booster seat, or modified vest that will allow them to lie down flat.
If your child has a cast and CAN sit up
- Your child’s car seat may work unless the cast is too wide to fit into the car seat. In that case a seat with low sides may work.
- If the child is under 40 pounds, a seat with an internal 5- point harness is best.
- If the child is over 40 pounds, a booster seat with low sides is best.
- Leg support, in the form of pillows or blankets will need to be provided.
If your child has a cast and CANNOT sit up
- If your child cannot sit up, they may need a special restraint such as a modified vest, or special restraint to accommodate them.
- In some cases, a car seat with low sides and shallow seat depth may work for your child.
Please call CHOC’s Community Education to speak with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to discuss more about car safety for children. When an accident happens, CHOC is ready with the only pediatric-dedicated emergency department and trauma center in Orange County.
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Safety Resources from the Pediatric Experts at CHOC
For more important tips to prevent injuries in children and teens, visit choc.org/safety.
