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Child Car Seat Safety

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 10:12 AM

Video Links: http://tiny.cc/ITSA and http://tinyurl.com/7egv5ta

Rear-Facing Car Seat Infants under 9-10kg (20-22 lb.) Always faces the rear of the vehicle seat. Only 1 finger fits under straps. Harness straps must be snug at collarbone level. Use rolled up face cloth if there is space between crotch strap and baby. Chest clips must be placed at armpit level. Secured to vehicle with seat belt or Universal Attachment System (UAS) Ministry of Transportation link: http://tinyurl.com/893qnfs Fact Sheet - Child Restraint Systems (Car Seats)
Forward-Facing Car Seat Children 9-18 kg (20-40 lb.) and at least one year of age. Secured to vehicle with a seat belt or UAS Top must be tethered to an anchor bolt behind the seat to prevent movement in a collision or sudden stop. Ministry of Transportation link: http://tinyurl.com/8xoghzt
Booster Seat Children 18-36 kg (40-80 lb.) Less than 145 cm high (4 feet, 9 inches) Secured to car with a seat belt. Place shoulder belt across the child's chest. It should not cross the neck or face, and never tuck under the arm. Place lap belt portion of the seat belt snug and across the hips, not the stomach. Ministry of Transportation link: http://tinyurl.com/6o3pyvm Fact Sheet - Booster Seats Prevent Injuries and Save Lives

Lap & Shoulder Belt

Children over 36 kg (80 lb.), taller than 145 cm (4 feet, 9 inches) or over 8 years old.

• Place shoulder belt across the child's chest. It should not cross the neck or face, and never tuck under the arm.
• Place lap belt portion of the seat belt snug and across the hips, not the stomach.
• Always follow car seat manufacturer's instructions and vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

Ministry of Transportation link: http://tinyurl.com/6p2udnd

Fact Sheet - Is Is Your Child Ready to Give up the Booster Seat?

Before you turn the key:

• All passengers must be buckled up properly.
• Be aware, never place a child in front of an air bag. Children under 13 years of age should always sit in the back seat. The safest position is the back seat.
• Children under 36 kg (80 lb.) and/or less than 145 cm (4 feet, 9 inches) tall that are under 8 years old, must be in the proper car seat.

Safety Check List

• Select a car seat with a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards label (CMVSS). Car seats purchased in the United States are not legal for use in Canada.
• Follow all manufacturers' instructions for child car seats. Ensure child restraint system is installed in a location as per the vehicle manual.
• Replace car seat if damaged, or more than 10 years old or according to manufacturer. Check for a child car seat expiration date on the back of the car seat (usually stamped into plastic). Check for white marks on plastic, torn padding, cracks, rust, or frayed harness.
• Adjust straps to be snug and lie flat. No more than 1 finger between the belt and the child's collarbone.

Fact Sheet - Car Seat Manufacturers Contacts and Expiry Dates