Four out of five car seats are not installed correctly. Here's how to install and use car seats.
How to install a car seat correctly
Check the weight and height limits of the seat to be sure that it is correct for your child.
Always use the vehicle owner's manual and the car seat manufacturer's instructions for installing the car seat.
Once installed, test the car seat to see if:
80% of the base of the child's car seat fits on the seat of the car.
The vehicle's seat belt can be tightened on the child's car seat so there is little or no movement of the seat when you tug or push on it.
The car seat can only move 2.5 cm (1 inch) or less. Call Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600 to find out about car seat inspections.
Safe Kids Canada produced a series of videos on how to use and properly install car seats. Watch videos.
How to use car seats correctly
With any type of car seat, parents and caregivers need to be familiar with:
The vehicle owner's manual and the car seat manufacturer's instructions to understand how to use a car seat correctly.
Safety tips for each type of child passenger safety seat.
