Traveling by Car

* Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt. Always use a car safety seat for infants and young children. A rear-facing car seat should be used until your child has reached one year of age AND weighs at least 10 kg.

* All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.

* Children can easily become restless or irritable when on a long road trip. Try to keep them occupied by pointing out interesting sights along the way and by bringing soft, lightweight toys and favorite CDs for a sing-along.

* Plan to stop driving and give yourself and your child a break about every two hours.

* Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside the car can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke.

* In addition to a travelers' health kit, parents should carry safe water and snacks, child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment, and a water-and insect-proof ground sheet for safe play outside.