Plunket: Keep kids safe in cars these holidays

15 November 2011

Plunket: Keep kids safe in cars these holidays

Plunket is urging people to have their child car restraints checked before the busy Christmas holiday season.

Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor says the tragic accident in South Auckland last week, in which a two-week old baby boy was critically injured when his car seat became loose, is a stark reminder of the importance of correct installation.

“For a car seat to perform correctly in an accident it needs to be installed correctly.

“The Christmas holiday period can be a busy and stressful time for parents and caregivers so now is a good time to check your child’s car seat - before we get into the silly season.

“We recommend that parents and caregivers seek expert assistance from a child restraint technician for a free check to ensure that your child's car seat fits your vehicle and is installed correctly. They can also advise about the best car seat for your child’s age and weight, and one that is best suited to your car.

“Child restraint technicians are available through Plunket car seat rental schemes, and at a number of other hire outlets or retailers. It is a totally free service.”

Sue says that Plunket recognises that the cost of child restraints is beyond the means of some families but says that assistance is available.

“Plunket has a Car Seat Rental Scheme which exists to help families get access to child car restraints. Our priority is keeping children safe so we’re flexible on payment methods but hireage is generally less than the cost of a takeaway coffee a week. Some families may also qualify for a special grant from Work and Income to buy or hire a child restraint.”

For information on a car seat rental scheme near you visit www.plunket.org.nz

About Plunket
For more than a century Plunket has been giving New Zealand parents the knowledge and support they need to nurture healthy, happy kiwi babies.

Plunket is a not-for-profit organisation and is New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five. Plunket is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket’s services help families nationwide, through over 550 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service PlunketLine, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (0800 933 922).

Plunket services are available free to families in New Zealand with children aged 0 to 5. As registered nurses with a postgraduate qualification, Plunket nurses are able to offer high standards of expertise and a range of services to families.

For more information visit www.plunket.org.nz

ENDS

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