Using a safe taxi service to transport newborn babies home from hospital

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate an intervention to enhance parents' use of car safety seats (CSSs) for their newborn baby's first journey home from the hospital in a population not usually exposed to television, internet and mainstream printed media.

Methods: Parents of newborn babies who did not bring a CSS to the hospital before their baby was discharged were lent a CSS to use in a 'safe taxi' service. All taxi drivers were trained to install the CSS safely. The intervention was evaluated using preprogramme questionnaires and follow-up interviews 4-8 weeks after discharge.

Results: Twelve parents participated in the intervention during the study period (January to April 2011) and in the evaluation process. Eleven couples were Jewish and one was Muslim. Most (75%) reported that they had not previously used CSS routinely and the reason was not financial. Following the 'safe taxi' intervention, 83% reported the use of CSS when travelling in all vehicles (excluding buses). On follow-up, most participants reported that the intervention increased their awareness and the use of CSS.

Conclusion: The intervention, targeted at this specific population, was well received by the parents, increased awareness, changed practices and assured that more newborns travelled home safely in a CSS.

Keywords: Car safety seat; Intervention; Newborn; Parents; Safety.