2. Securing a Car Seat

 

To be safe, car seats must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer. Read the instructions carefully before using the car seat.

Before buying a new or used car seat, try it in your car. Be sure that you can install the car seat safely and that you can adjust the seat belt. Check to see if it is easy to use. Read the instructions and practice using the car seat.

Never use a car seat that is past the expiry date because materials deteriorate with time. Never buy or use a car seat that was involved in a collision.

Using a rear-facing car seat (for infants under 10 kg or 22lbs)

  • Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Rear facing car seats should face the back of the vehicle and rest on a 45-degree angle and move no more than 2.5cm (1in.) from side-to side.
  • The shoulder harness straps must be threaded through the seat back at, or slightly below, the child’s shoulders.
  • You should not be able to fit more than one finger underneath the harness straps at the child’s collarbone.
  • The chest clip should be flat against the chest at armpit level.
  • Keep your child in a rear facing car seat until he/she outgrows the maximum height or weight of his/her infant seat and then use an infant/child seat rear facing until he/she is at least 10kg (22lbs) and is able to walk.

For more information about car seats visit:

Never install a baby car seat equipped with an air bag.

 
Last update: 03-24-2014