In a collision you can save your infant’s life by properly installing a rear-facing car seat.  When rear-facing your car seat should rest at a 45 degree angle and move no more than 1” side to side.  An adjustable base will allow you to find the proper angle.  If your car seat does not have an adjustable base a towel or pool noodle under the base of the car seat will also work.  In a rear-facing car seat when positioning the harness ensure the straps are at or below baby’s shoulders.  A car seat with a front adjusting harness can easily be tightened; you should not be able to fit more than one finger between the child’s collarbone and the strap.  The chest clip should be at armpit level and flat against the chest.  A rear-facing car seat is for use until the baby is 1 year old, can pull him/herself into a standing position and is at least 20 lbs.  If your baby has outgrown the infant carrier before meeting these criteria, a convertible car seat will be required.

 
All forward-facing car seats must use a tether and seat belt or LATCH system to prevent the car seat from moving forward during a collision.  The harness should be tightened and chest clip adjusted as with a rear-facing car seat however, the harness should now be positioned at or above the child’s shoulders.  A forward-facing car seat is for use until the child is at least 40 lbs.  Maximum height and weight restrictions for convertible car seats vary between manufacturers, some going as high as 47” and 48 lbs.  Ideally a child should be in a restraint harness until 4 years of age.  Choosing a car seat with higher height and weight limits is a good idea.

A lap and shoulder belt must be used for both high and low back booster seats.  The shoulder strap must cross between the child’s shoulder and neck with the lap belt positioned low on the hips.  Booster seats are for use from 40 lbs.  Maximum weight restrictions vary between manufacturers, some going as high as 100 lbs.  New Ontario Legislation came into effect September 1, 2005 requiring the use of booster seats for children 40-80 lbs who are less than 4’ 9” tall and up to 8 years of age.

 

Important Tips:

§         Use the right seat for your child’s weight, height and development

§         Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct car seat installation and use

§         Ensure the harness is snug and lays flat against the child (no twists)

§         Keep children away from active air bags; children 13 years of age and under are safest in the back seat

§         Use caution when buying a used car seat; never use a car seat that has been in a collision