Transporting Children with Special Needs

Pediatrics just published a study indicating that children ages 4 to 8 years of age who use belt positioning booster seats are 45% less likely to sustain injuries in a car accident compared to children not in booster seats.

For children with special needs finding the right car seat can be difficult and expensive. There are several informative websites to help guide the decision making process on picking out the proper system in a car or on a bus. Pediatric occupational and physical therapists can help to determine what seating systems may work the best for a specific child. In addition, therapists may want to remind parents to evaluate the car seats when there is an upcoming surgical or medical procedure scheduled. Casts or new braces may restrict the use of a current car seat.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published a document entitled Special Needs Car Safety Seats/Restraints Product Information.

To read more on this topic or to find a safety seat technician in your area, you can check out the Automotive Safety Program website section on children with special needs.

Reference: Arbogast, Kristy B., Jermakian, Jessica S., Kallan, Michael J., Durbin, Dennis R. Effectiveness of Belt Positioning Booster Seats: An Updated Assessment
Pediatrics 2009 124: 1281-1286