New Moms and Driving

New moms...we know you're busy, but you are putting yourself and your baby at risk every time you pick up your cell phone while driving! A new survey reveals 78% of mothers with children under the age of 2 said they talk on the phone while driving with their children in the car. 26% say they text or check email. This sounds a lot like teenage driving habits to me. Nearly 2400 moms participated in this survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide and American Baby magazine. One of the most interesting revelations that came out this survey is that new moms tend to think they're safe drivers. In fact, nearly 2/3 said they're more cautious behind the wheel since giving birth but that's not what's really happening on the road. 1 in 10 of the moms surveyed said they had been in a crash while driving with their babies. This crash rate is nearly 3 times higher than that of the general public; 6 in 10 moms say they have turned around to deal with their baby in the back seat while driving. My sons are older, but I can tell you I have been a referee from the front seat when there was a lot of commotion going on in the back seat. My advice to all my new moms? When you place your baby in their car seat, put your phone in your purse. I want the both of you to travel safely. There are plenty of family road trips ahead. I'm Dr. Sue with The Kid's Doctor helping parents take charge.