Special Needs Car Restraints
When discussing child passenger safety, "special needs restraints" refers to car seats designed for children with medical conditions that prevent the use of standard car seats. Your health care provider will help you determine if your child needs a special restraint, like a modified car seat, care bed, vest, booster seat, or wheelchair attachment. OSF HealthCare provides the Special Needs Child Passenger Resource Center to help you protect your child.
Car Beds
A car bed is designed for infants who are unable to safely use a traditional car seat due to medical conditions such as low birth weight, Spina Bifida or conditions that require the child to lie flat.
- An infant’s head should always face the center of the vehicle when using a car bed.
- Due to a car bed’s larger size, you may not be able to install a car bed next to another car seat.
- Parents with multiple newborns needing car beds should be ready to go 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
Orthopedic restraints are designed to ensure a safe travel experience for children wearing orthopedic devices, such as casts or braces. Special orthopedic restraints can include modified car seats, vests and booster seats to protect your child.
- These restraints are typically recommended by medical professionals and fitted by certified child passenger safety technicians trained in special needs transport
- After strapping your child in, tickle their affected toes or fingers to ensure the restraints are not binding or reducing blood circulation
- Once home, have your child wiggle their toes and fingers often to help promote circulation
Large Medical Restraints
Specialized car seats may be needed to accommodate medical equipment, positioning, or mobility limitations for your child with significant medical needs or restraints. Here are common examples of car seat restraints used in these cases:
- Specialized care seats that are designed for children with low muscle tone, positioning options that support the head, trunk or pelvis and adjustable recline with lateral supports to fit around medical braces and orthopedics
- Vests and harness systems that can be used with wheelchairs and casts
- Wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems for children who must remain in a wheelchair during travel
- Custom-fit car seats that meet the unique needs of the child. Insurance and funding assistance may be applicable