General instructions:
(1) Parents should be educated on the need and technique for safe pediatric transport prior to delivery.
(2) An approved car safety seat should be available for transport of the infant and should be fitted to the vehicle prior to discharge. This may be purchased by the parent, loaned or donated.
(3) The car safety seat should be secured in the rear passenger seat facing backwards. If side impact air bags are present, then the safety seat should be positioned away from it so that the seat is not impact during deployment.
If the infant is premature or < 37 weeks gestation:
(1) The infant should be monitored prior to discharge for apnea, bradycardia and oxygen desaturation in the semi-upright position. The infant may need to be transported in a prone or supine position, which may require an alternative car safety carrier.
(2) The car safety seat should not have a harness-tray/shield or armrest that could come in contact with the infant's head or neck during an impact incident.
(3) If the child requires apnea monitoring then this should be used during transport.
