CPST Infant & Newborn Transportation Safety

Question 1

What is the recommended car seat position for a healthy full-term newborn leaving the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Rear-facing in a rear-facing-only or convertible seat

Answer

Forward-facing with a 5-point harness

Answer

In an infant carrier worn by a parent

Answer

In a rear-facing booster with a vehicle belt

Question 2

Why is a semi-reclined position important for newborns in rear-facing car seats?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the airway from becoming compromised if the head falls forward

Answer

To allow the child to sleep more comfortably on long trips

Answer

To ensure the harness slots sit above the shoulders

Answer

To reduce the risk of the child sliding out of the harness

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE about using head inserts or head support padding in infant car seats?

Accepted Answer

Only inserts that came with the seat or are approved by the manufacturer should be used

Answer

Any padded insert sold in baby stores is safe to add

Answer

No head support is needed since the harness holds the head in place

Answer

Head inserts are only needed for premature infants

Question 4

At what recline angle should most rear-facing infant seats be positioned to keep a newborn's airway open?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 30 to 45 degrees from vertical, as specified by the manufacturer

Answer

Perfectly flat at 0 degrees

Answer

Fully upright at 90 degrees from horizontal

Answer

At whatever angle the vehicle seat naturally provides

Question 5

A newborn's harness straps should be routed through which harness slots in a rear-facing seat?

Accepted Answer

The slots at or below the shoulders

Answer

The slots at or above the shoulders

Answer

The highest available harness slots

Answer

Whichever slots allow the most slack

Question 6

How should a CPST check that a rear-facing harness is snug enough on a newborn?

Accepted Answer

Perform the pinch test — no webbing should be pinchable at the collarbone

Answer

Ensure there is one finger's width of slack at the chest clip

Answer

Check that the harness can be pulled 2 inches from the chest

Answer

Confirm the buckle clicks audibly when fastened