Car Safety for Children in Casts

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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