From birth to graduation, Jefferson Regional strives to provide outstanding care to the patients of Southeast Arkansas. Wellness checks, vaccinations, and an on-going doctor-patient relationship strengthens the foundation for healthy development in children. In addition, our team of skilled Pediatricians and Nurse Practitioners are qualified to provide exceptional care in the event of an accident, trauma, severe or chronic illness.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital Alliance
Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) has the only Arkansas Department of Health-designated Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the state. ACH has also created the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Nursery Alliance, and Jefferson Regional was the second hospital in the state to join.
Through the Alliance, neonatologists at ACH are able to consult immediately with pediatricians at Jefferson Regional to enhance neonatal care and create support for babies at Jefferson Regional. In addition, the Alliance provides educational support, quality data review, and implementation of best practices in pediatric medicine. Jefferson Regional Pediatrician is the Medical Director of Jefferson Regional’s Nursery Alliance.
Child Car Seat Safety
Jefferson Regional is proud to further protect the children of Southeast Arkansas through car seat safety checks and infant/child CPR classes.
Car Seat Safety
Jefferson Regional makes sure all new babies being discharged are going home in the proper car seat. Our trained staff also offers free car seat checks to parents by appointment Monday-Friday at 870-541-7195.
According to the CDC, motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 3-14 in the United States. Buckling children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts reduces the risk of serious and fatal injuries.
Know the stages
Make sure children are properly buckled up in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, whichever is appropriate for their age, height and weight.
Birth up to Age 2: Rear-facing car seat.
For the best possible protection, infants and children should be buckled in a rear-facing car seat, in the back seat, until age 2 or when they reach the upper weight or height limits of their particular seat. Check the seat’s owner’s manual and/or labels on the seat for weight and height limits.
Age 2 up to at least Age 5: Forward-facing car seat.
When children outgrow their rear-facing seats they should be buckled in a forward-facing car seat, in the back seat, until at least age 5 or when they reach the upper weight or height limit of their particular seat. Check the seat’s owner’s manual and/or labels on the seat for weight and height limits.
Age 5 up until seat belts fit properly: Booster seat.
Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat, (by reaching the upper height or weight limit of their seat), they should be buckled in a belt positioning booster seat until seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt lays across the chest (not the neck). Remember to keep children properly buckled in the back seat for the best possible protection.
Once Seat Belts Fit Properly without a Booster Seat: Seat Belt
Children no longer need to use a booster seat once seat belts fit them properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt lays across the chest (not the neck). For the best possible protection keep children properly buckled in the back seat.
Install and Use Car & Booster Seats Properly
Install and use car seats and booster seats according to the seat’s owner’s manual or get help installing them from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
Seat Children in the Back Seat
Buckle all children aged 12 and under in the back seat.
Don’t Seat Children in Front of an Airbag
Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an air bag.
Seat Children in the Middle of the Back Seat
Buckle children in the middle of the back seat when possible, because it is the safest spot in the vehicle.
Use Proper Restraints Every Trip
Buckle children in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts on every trip, no matter how short.
Parents and Caregivers: Always Wear a Seat Belt
Set a good example by always using a seat belt themselves.
Infant/Child CPR
Although you hope to never use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for a child or infant, it’s important to know the steps so that you are able to help in the event of a cardiac or breathing emergency. Jefferson Regional offers free Infant/Child CPR classes quarterly in the Henslee Conference Center located on the first floor of Jefferson Regional. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and babysitters are welcome to attend and learn how to perform basic life saving steps in the case of an emergency. Registration is required; please call 870-541-7333 for more information.
