NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — North Dakota saw more babies born in May than any other month last year, and for first-time parents, there’s a lot to learn — including safely bringing the baby home.

Therefore, Health and Human Services (HHS) chose May as the month to remind expectant and new parents about the resources available to help make sure that every trip is safe.

Using car seats correctly will keep kids safe and because there are many different car seats, parents may need help finding the right car seat and learning how to install it — but thankfully, many birthing hospitals and community partner organizations offer car seat education classes.

These programs teach parents and other caregivers about the installation and functions of their car seat, how to properly secure their baby in the harness, the benefits of keeping the baby rear-facing in the vehicle, why reclining the car seat is so important, the dangers of bulky clothing, the dangers of airbags, and more.

“Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States,” explained HSS’s Child Passenger Safety Program Director Dawn Mayer. “That’s why it’s so important for parents and caregivers to choose the correct car seat for their child, and to know how to correctly install it.”

Making sure kids are properly buckled into the right car seat can reduce the risk of serious injury and death by 80%.

New or expectant parents are encouraged to take advantage of these classes in their community. To find a class near you, visit this page .

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Today's Top Stories

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KX NEWS.