Seat Belts

For the best protection in a vehicle, wear a lap–shoulder belt every time you travel. The safety belt will not hurt your baby. You and your baby are far more likely to survive a car crash if you are buckled in. Follow these rules when wearing a safety belt:

• Always wear both the lap and shoulder belt.
• Buckle the lap belt low on your hip bones, below your belly.
• Never put the lap belt across your belly.
• Place the shoulder belt across the center of the chest (between your breasts) — never under your arm.
• Make sure the belts fit snugly.

The upper part of the belt should cross your shoulder without chafing your neck. Never slip the upper part of the belt off your shoulder. Safety belts worn too loosely or too high on the belly can cause broken ribs or injuries to your belly if you are in an accident.