Important Car Seat Safety Tips

When it comes to keeping your little one safe on the road, proper installation of their car seat is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure that your child's car seat is installed correctly and your baby is as safe as possible while travelling in a car:

1. Always read the car seat manual and the vehicle owner's manual before installing the seat. Each car seat and vehicle is different, and it's important to understand the specific instructions for your particular setup.

2. Make sure the seat is the right fit for your child's age, weight and height. Most car seat have weight and height limits, and you should always follow them to ensure maximum safety.

3. Use the right installation method for your car seat. There are three main methods for installing a car seat: using the seatbelt, using the LATCH system, or using the vehicle's built-in anchors. Make sure you are using the correct method for your seat and vehicle.

4. Tighten the car seat enough so that it doesn't move more than an inch from side to side or front to back. This is known as the "inch test."

5. Make sure the harness is at the correct level for your child's height and that it is snug against their body. The harness should be at or below your child's shoulders for rear-facing seats and at or above their shoulders for forward-facing seats.

6. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag. This is extremely dangerous, as the airbag can cause serious injury or death to a rear-facing child.

7. Do not put any additional padding or aftermarket products in or on the car seat as it can change the structure of the seat and make it less safe.

8. Always make sure your child is buckled in properly. Make sure the harness is snug and that the chest clip is at the level of your child's armpits.

9. Always supervise your child when travelling in a car. Never leave them alone in the car, even for a short period of time, as this can be extremely dangerous.

10. Keep an emergency car safety kit in the vehicle in case of an accident, including first aid supplies, scissors, a flashlight and a blanket.

11. Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Transport Canada recommends that children should remain rear-facing until at least 2 years of age, or until they reach the highest weight or height indicated by the car seat manufacturer.

12. When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, switch to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Keep your child in this type of seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer.

13. Once your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat with a harness, switch to a booster seat. Keep your child in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit properly in a seatbelt, which is typically around  8 to12 years old.

14. Make sure the car seat is properly reclined. Rear-facing car seats should be reclined at a 45-degree angle, while forward-facing car seats should be reclined at a more upright angle.

    

15. Check the expiration date on your car seat. Most car seat have an expiration date of around 6 to 8 years from the date of manufacture. After this date, the seat may not provide the same level of protection in the event of an accident.

16. Always use the top tether when installing a forward-facing car seat. The top tether helps to reduce the movement of the seat in the event of a crash.

17. Keep your child in the back seat of the car until at least age 13. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride, as it is farther away from the airbags and other potential hazards.

18. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the car ride. Avoid bulky coats or jackets that can make it difficult to properly buckle the harness or make it harder for the seat to protect your child in a crash.

19. Always use the car seat during all types of travel, including short trips, taxi rides, and rides in other people's cars.

20. Regularly check the car seat to make sure it is tight and the harness is adjusted correctly. Do not hesitate to ask a certified car seat technician to check the installation and adjustment of the seat.

21. Always use the appropriate car seat for your child's age, weight, and height. Don't try to extend the use of a car seat by using it for a child who has outgrown it.

22. Always make sure the harness is properly adjusted and tight enough so that you cannot pinch the strap with two fingers.

23. Always check the seat for any signs of wear or damage before each use. Look for any cracks, missing parts, or loose connections, and replace the seat if you find any issues.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your child is as safe as possible while travelling in a car. Remember that car seat can be complex, and it's essential to read and follow the instructions provided by the car seat manufacturer and the vehicle owner's manual. Also, it's important to always keep your child supervised while travelling in a car.

Reliable reference websites:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/child-car-seat-safety/installing-child-car-seat-booster-seat/stage-1-rear-facing-seats

https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/behaviours/child-safety-seats

https://www.cpsac.org/find-a-tech/

https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/sante/bg-naitre-grandir-choisir-siege-auto/

https://www.protegez-vous.ca/loisirs-et-famille/siege-auto-enfant/choisir-sie-auto-enfant