Frequently Asked Questions > Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Monday, March 02, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho CareLine: In Idaho, Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: My son is two-years-old and won't sit in his car seat. Can he use the seat belt?

Answer: No. To keep him safe, use the following guide from the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety: Infant car seat for infants up to 20 pounds, always facing rear of vehicle in the back seat. Child car seat for children up to 40 pounds or child's shoulders are above the top harness strap slots or part of the child's ears are above the top of the seat. Car booster seat for older children at least 40 pounds and use this until the lap belt fits low on the hips and shoulder belts do not cross the face or neck. Shoulder/lap belt for children over 60 pounds and if under 12, sitting in the rear seat. For safety reasons, your child should always use a car seat. For more information, check The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP).

Question: I am a child care provider. I think one of the children I care for has been abused. What do I do?

Answer: Idaho law says that any person who has reason to believe a child is being abused, neglected, or abandoned MUST report this to the local law enforcement agency or the Department of Health and Welfare within 24 hours. See more information on recognizing Child Abuse/Neglect.

Question: What is the safest way to hold a baby?

Answer: Relax and you soon will become confident how to best pick up and hold an infant. Babies like to be held securely and close to your body. Use both hands when you pick up the infant — cradle the baby's neck and head in the palm of one hand and support their back/bottom with the other hand. Hold the baby close to your body using your arm to support the head. Newborns have no control over their head for at least the first four weeks. An article entitled "Holding Your Baby Safely" is found under Welcome Home, Baby! (under "for family"). This articles offers additional tips on how best to pick up, carry, and lay down a baby, as well as tips for helping "big sister/brother" hold the new baby.