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Is your child ready for a seat upgrade?
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Image_CarseatIt’s true, kids grow up so fast! Before you head out on the road with your little ones, take a few moments to make sure you have the right child seat and that you are using it correctly. Children need special protection in the event of an accident. 

 

 

Seat type Notes
Rear-facing infant seat
  • An infant-only seat is the best fit for newborns. For older babies who have outgrown their infant-only seat, use an infant/child seat in the rear-facing position. 

  • Make sure the harness is snug, with space for only one finger between the harness and the baby’s collar bone. Harness should be at or slightly below the baby’s shoulder height. Position the chest clip at armpit level. 

  •  Never place a rear-facing child restraint in a front seat equipped with an active air bag.
Forward-facing child seat
  • A one-year-old child who is at least 22 lbs may face forwards, but it is safer for the child to remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum rear-facing weight or height of their seat. 

  • Make sure the harness is snug, with space for only one finger between the harness and the child’s collar bone. Harness should be at or slightly above the child’s shoulder height. 

  • All forward-facing child seats must be anchored to the vehicle with a tether strap.
Booster seat
  • Booster seats raise a child to fit the adult seat belt properly. 

  • If the top of your child’s ears is above the back of the seat, but he or she is not yet 40 lbs, switch to a combination child/booster seat that can accommodate a tall child with a harness.
Seat belt
  • Positioning of the belt is very important: the child should sit upright, and the lap belt should be across the upper thighs to prevent abdominal injuries or spinal damage. 

  • Centre the shoulder belt on the child’s shoulder and chest. Never put it under the arm or behind the back.

On all child restraint systems, look for a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) label. Before you buy, make sure the seat can be installed properly in your vehicle: it should move no more than 2.5 cm (1″) forward or to either side where the belt is attached. Always follow the installation and operation instructions according to the child seat manufacturer’s directions and your vehicle owner’s manual. Remember that car seat legislation varies by province and territory, so check with your local authorities for the latest information.

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of injury and death in children.
The Co-operators Buckle Up Bears program, in partnership with the Infant & Toddler Safety Association, provides education and hands-on support through car seat safety clinics across the country. These clinics offer free car seat inspections to increase awareness of car seat safety. By following the current guidelines, and by reading your car seat manual and vehicle owner’s manual carefully, you can install your own car seat with confidence!