Strap In and Buckle Up Understanding the Importance of Child Restraint Systems
The week of Sept. 18–24 is dedicated to highlighting the importance of ensuring all children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat or seat belt. Everyone is vulnerable once they step into a car, but children are the most vulnerable. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children, and many of these deaths can actually be prevented with proper child restraint systems. OREGON STATE CHILD RESTRAINT LAW According to the state of Oregon, all children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until the adult seat belt fits them correctly. If a child is 8 years old or younger and is under 4 feet, 9 inches tall, Oregon law requires you to continue to use a child restraint system.
the chest between their armpits. Once they have reached the maximum height and weight of the car seat, they can move to the next stage.
Forward-Facing Car Seat Once they have outgrown the rear-facing seat and until about age 5, they should be buckled in a forward-facing car seat with a harness, in the back seat. Again, the harness should sit at or below the shoulders, and the clip should be positioned on the chest between their armpits. Once they weigh about 40 pounds or reach the upper height and weight limit of this seat, they can transition to a booster seat. Booster Seat After outgrowing the forward-facing seat, they can be buckled into a belt-positioning booster seat with a seat belt, in the back seat, until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat. It sits properly when the lap belt is across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt is across the center of the shoulder and chest — this occurs typically around ages 9–12. Seat Belt As mentioned before, a seat belt usually sits properly on a child once they reach the age of 9–12. But seat belt fit can vary depending on the vehicle, so be sure to check the belt fit to make sure your child no longer needs a booster seat.
KNOW THE STAGES Rear-Facing Car Seat
From birth to ages 2–4, infants and toddlers should be buckled up in a rear-facing car seat with a harness, in the back seat. The harness should sit at or below the shoulders, and the clip should be positioned on
When it comes to child passenger safety, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
PUZZLE
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. With a fork, poke holes in potatoes. Tightly wrap each in aluminum foil. 3. On a baking sheet, place potatoes and roast for 45–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove and unwrap foil. 4. With a knife, slit each potato down the middle. 5. Increase oven to 450 F. 6. On a nonstick baking sheet, drizzle the grapes with grapeseed oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes. 7. Using a spoon, remove sweet potato flesh while keeping shape intact. 8. In a large bowl, mash sweet potato flesh with 3 oz goat cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and honey. 9. Scoop filling back into potatoes. Top with remaining goat cheese, grapes, and drizzled honey. Inspired by HowSweetEats.com Grape, Goat Cheese, and Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Directions
Ingredients
• 4 sweet
potatoes • 2 cups seedless red grapes • 1 tsp grapeseed oil • 1/4 tsp salt, plus a pinch • 1/4 tsp pepper, plus a pinch • 4 oz goat cheese, divided • 2 tbsp honey, plus additional for drizzling • Pinch of cinnamon • Pinch of nutmeg
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
| 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator