According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, child car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 per cent and the risk of serious injury by 67 per cent; using a booster seat for older children (up to nine years of age), instead of just a seatbelt, can provide a 59 per cent reduction in the risk of injury, but only if the safety seats are installed and used correctly. This is important because Parachute Canada has found the misuse rates for car seats can range from 44 to 81 per cent, and 30 to 50 per cent for booster seats. 

Purchasing the Right Car Seat 

Before purchasing and installing a car seat, there are a few things you can do to make sure it is the right fit for both your car and your family.  

• Head to your local independent baby store and see if they are willing to let you test different seats in your car prior to purchase. 

• Read online reviews. If a car seat’s reviews are mostly positive, that’s good, but make sure you vet the negative reviews before forming your own opinions and verify that there haven’t been any recalls. 
• A recall check can be as simple as performing a Google search or checking Transport Canada’s recalls database. After purchasing a new car seat, you can also register it with the manufacturer. By doing so, the manufacturer will be able to alert you to product recalls, helping you keep abreast of news related to your seat. 

Installing Your Child’s Car Seat 

When it comes to installing your child’s car seat, you should always consult both the car seat’s original instruction manual and your vehicle’s ownership manual. It is possible that the two manuals will have conflicting information regarding installation, or that a seat will not fit properly in your vehicle model. In those scenarios, it is recommended that a parent consult a certified car seat technician. You can also sign up for a local car seat clinic for tips and advice. 

If you are trying to determine whether or not a car seat is properly installed, you should consider some of the following pointers from Transport Canada: 

• Car seats should always be installed in the back seat of a vehicle, or in the middle row if it has three rows. 

• Make sure the car seat is securely installed and doesn’t move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) at the seat belt path. 

• A car seat’s chest clip should be at the child’s armpit level — this is one of the most common use errors. 

• Check your car seat’s instruction manual to confirm how much space should be between the top of your child’s head and the top of the car seat — remember, every seat will be different. 

• Ensure any passed-down seat meets current federal standards. Canadian car seats must meet Transport Canada’s safety standards and have a national safety mark label.  

When To Upgrade Your Child’s Seat 

Each car seat is designed or developed for specific height and weight ranges, and they should be used according to the child’s development. You always need to ensure the child’s development needs are within the manufacturer’s specs on height/weight ranges. There are typically three stages of car seats. The infant car seat, toddler seat, and an older child may be ready to use a booster seat. 

For an infant, an infant carrier seat (also known as a bucket seat) can be used for convenience. This type of seat is one that you would install the base in the vehicle and then connect the carrier into the base to lock it into place when in use as a car seat. The carrier can then be released and popped out when you want to remove the child from the car. Once the child outgrows the carrier seat (as some only go up to a maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lbs.)) you still will want to keep them in a rear-facing position for as long as possible – and until the child is walking unassisted – as this is the safest position for them to be in. Another great option is an infant/child (or convertible) car seat. It’s a bigger seat and can be turned around to the forward-facing position as the child grows.  

Once a child grows to 18 kg (40 lbs.) they may be ready to move to a booster seat – which by Ontario law, can only be introduced when a child is between 18 and 36 kg (40-80 lbs.). While that’s just a minimum requirement, it’s suggested that you use a forward-facing seat with a harness, as long as it accommodates the child. 

According to an Allstate Canada poll from 2016, 42 per cent of all Canadians say they are unsure about the rules around when to move children up from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing car seat, followed by a booster seat. When faced with this question, it’s important for parents to remember that there’s not really one right answer, and that progressing through the different types of car seats is not a race against time. 

So, what are the factors that need to be considered before moving a child up to the next level of car seat? According to the same Allstate poll, 37 per cent of all Canadians consider weight to be the most important factor, while 36 per cent believe it’s height. The fact of the matter is that both are important factors, but every child is different, so you need to consider your child’s level of development as it pertains to height and weight when considering a move to the next seat. 

The truth is, you don’t need to rush in moving a child up to the next level. Parents should take their time and transition their child to the next car seat when it makes the most sense for their safety. In fact, the longer a child can stay in their rear-facing seat, the safer they’ll be because these seats help to protect the neck and spinal cord of developing children better than any other seat. 

Other Things to Consider 

• Exercise caution with used seats as their history is unknown; they could have been in a collision or have hidden damage. Seats made before 2012 may not meet current standards, so check the manufacturing date.  

• Car seats are sophisticated safety devices. Common errors include improper installation and incorrect harness positioning. Ensure all caregivers know how to use and install the seat correctly. 

When buying a seat with the intention of expanding your family down the road, remember that a seat is only safe if it’s the right size for your child and if it hasn’t expired. As long as your child is comfortable, dressed properly, strapped in well, and you’re meeting both the provincial and manufacturer’s safety requirements, you’re doing all of the right things to help keep your child safe. 

Now that you’ve read through this article, it’s time to test your car safety knowledge with this quiz!