Citation

Sugimura T, Suzue J, Kamada M, Ozaki Y, Tananari Y, Maeno Y, Ito S, Nishino H, Kakimoto N, Yamakawa R. Pediatr. Int. 2011; 53(6): 939-943.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics and Allergology, Sugimura Children's Medical Clinic, Chikugo, Department of Pediatrics, Suzue Children's Clinic, Tokushima, Department of Pediatrics, West Sapporo Pediatrics Clinic, Sapporo, Department of Pediatrics, Kurume University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, St Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Department of Pediatrics, Kurume University Medical Center.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Japan Pediatric Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1442-200X.2011.03396.x

PMID

21575106

Abstract

Background. A guideline for the safe use of child car seat (CS) was published by the Japan Pediatric Society in 2008. There have been few studies of the increase of temperature of a CS in cars parked. Purpose. To determine the change in the temperatures of the CS in cars parked under the full sun. Methods. The temperature of CS was measured during summer (July and August) in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The CS used in this study (n = 50) were for children (≤6 years old ) who were taken by car to Sugimura Children's Medical Clinic. Temperatures were only measured on sunny days. Measurements were performed at from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thermochron(®) (Thermochron i-Button: G type, Maxim Integrated Products, CA, USA) was used to measure the temperatures. The maximum temperatures of each CS were compared in time at the clinic, seat colors, and car colors. Results. Of the 50 cars, three cars were excluded because of falling under the shade while the temperature was measured. The 47 cars were used for this study. The temperature of the CS ranged from 38.0 to 65.5°C (47.8 ± 5.8°C). 18 CS (38.3%) reached a temperature of 50°C or above. The maximum temperature of the 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. group was significantly higher than that of the 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. group (P = 0.035). The CS temperatures in the black of car group were significantly higher than white of car group (P = 0.013). Conclusion. Our recommendation is to remember that the CS may become very hot after a car has been parked in sun, so that the child seat should be cooled before a young child is placed. Especially if the car and the CS are black, it should be recognized that the temperature of the child seat may become very high.

Language: en