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Things to Know about Special Needs Restraints

When talking about child passenger safety, "Special Needs" refers to children with either long-term or short term medical conditions that prohibit the use of standard car seats. Your nurse or health care provider will determine if your child is in need of a special child passenger safety restraint. Once that is determined, contacting The Special Needs Child Passenger Resource Center is the next step.

Car Beds

  • An infant’s head should ALWAYS face the center of the vehicle when using a car bed.
  • You may not be able to install a car bed next to another car seat.
  • Parents with multiple newborns requiring car beds should be prepared for the possibility of going home in separate vehicles, or make multiple trips.
  • A car bed is not suitable for use as an infant carrier.
  • You should consult your pediatrician to find out when your child is able to ride in a conventional car seat.

Orthopedic Condition Restraints

Casts will affect the types of clothes your child can wear. Bring larger clothing that will accommodate the cast. Some casts have a bar between the child’s legs, so keep that in mind when making a clothing determination

  • Once home, have your child wiggle their toes often to help promote movement.
  • Keep the cast dry and clean
  • Tickle your child’s toes to make sure he/she can feel it
  • Turn your child every 2 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night

Large Medical Restraints

Casts will affect the types of clothes your child can wear. Bring larger clothing that will accommodate the cast. Some casts have a bar between the child’s legs, so keep that in mind when making a clothing determination

  • Once home, have your child wiggle their toes often to help promote movement.
  • Keep the cast dry and clean
  • Tickle your child’s toes to make sure he/she can feel it
  • Turn your child every 2 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night
Healthy Living