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

All healthy full-term newborns should ride rear-facing in an appropriate rear-facing infant or convertible car seat from their very first ride home.

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

Newborns lack neck muscle strength to hold their heads up, so a semi-reclined angle prevents the head from falling forward and blocking the airway.

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

Aftermarket inserts not approved by the seat's manufacturer can interfere with harness fit and crash performance; only manufacturer-provided accessories should be used.

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

Most manufacturers specify a recline angle of roughly 30–45 degrees from vertical for newborns to prevent head-slump and airway compromise; always follow the specific seat's manual.

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

In a rear-facing seat, harness straps must be threaded through slots at or below the child's shoulders to properly restrain a newborn in a crash.

CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Practice Test

CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Practice Test

CPST Infant & Newborn Transportation Safety