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SANDY — [In 2006, KSL covered the tragedy](
A child's safety is a parent's biggest concern. One of the first things new parents do when they leave the hospital is put the newborn in a car seat. It may seem easy to use but still far too often they're used incorrectly.
“The main concern is if their airway is going to be closed off,” said Janet Brooks, child advocacy manager with Primary Children’s Hospital.
Brooks said if a child is left in a car seat at the wrong angle for too long, the child can become compressed and the child's head could move forward.
“If they move that car seat in any way, shape, or form it could bring the car seat forward and then the harness then becomes a strangulation factor,” said Brooks.
Also, the spine can develop a curve and the head can become misshapen. When the car seat is strapped into the vehicle, it should be slightly tilted at a 30 to 45 degree angle for infants. The harness should be easily adjustable. It should come over the shoulder and the buckle should be close to the child.
“Even to this day, I still ask a lot of questions,” said Brianne Poulsen, mother of three.
Poulsen said with her firstborn she was told by doctors to never leave the child in the car seat outside of the vehicle. She continues to follow their advice with her 8-month-old, Tyler.
“The car seats are always a concern,” Poulsen said.
