Did you know that 4 out of 5 car seats are improperly installed? These are the most common mistakes:
Car seat is not right for the child’s weight and height.
Vehicle seat belt is not tight enough to secure car seat properly.
Harness or shoulder straps are too loose.
Tether strap is not used or used incorrectly.
Locking clip is not used when required.
Types of Car Seats
Each type of car seat is different! Choose one that is right for your child’s weight and height, and has the National Safety Mark label attached to the seat (round sticker with maple leaf).
Infant-Only Car Seats
Use infant-only car seats from birth to 10 kg (22 lbs).
Keep rear-facing for as long as possible – to maximum height/weight limit of your car seat.
Always place in the back seat, rear-facing, at 45 degree angle.
Base of car seat attaches and is anchored properly to the vehicle seat.
Pull anchoring belt tight so that the car seat moves no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) forward or sideways.
Harness straps must lay flat and snug so no excess strap can be pinched at the collarbone. Harness straps must be at or slightly below the shoulder.
Move chest clip to armpit level.
Place carrying handle in position recommended by manufacturer.
Infant/Child Car Seats
Infant/child car seats can be used as a rear-facing or forward facing car seat.
Rear-Facing
Birth up to 20 kg (45 lbs).
Keep rear-facing for as long as possible – to maximum height/weight limit of your car seat.
Always place in the back seat, rear facing, at 45 degree angle.
Base of car seat attaches and is anchored properly to the vehicle seat.
Pull anchoring belt tight so that the car seat moves no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) forward or sideways.
Harness straps must lay flat and snug so no excess strap can be pinched at the collarbone. Harness straps must be at or slightly below the shoulder.
Move chest clip to armpit level.
Forward-Facing
Minimum requirement by law: use when child is over one year of age, over 10 kg (22 lbs) and walking without help.
By law, attach tether strap to tether anchor in the car to reduce head and neck injuries in a crash.
Pull seat belt anchor strap tight so that car seat moves no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) forward or sideways.
Place harness straps at or above shoulder.
Some car seats are available up to 29.5 kg (65 lbs).
Booster Seats
Use booster seats from 18-36 kg (40-80 lbs). Some seats are available up to 50 kg (110 lbs).
A booster seat helps position the vehicle seat belt properly over the child’s body.
Ensure lap belt is low across the hips.
Ensure shoulder belt lies flat across the chest.
A no back booster seat can only be used when the middle of the child’s ear is not above the back of the vehicle seat or head rest.
Child/Booster Seats
Child/booster seats can be used as a forward-facing car seat or a booster seat.
Forward-Facing
Use when child is 10-30 kg (22-65 lbs).
Minimum requirement by law: child is over one year of age, over 10 kg (22 lbs) and walking without help.
By law, attach tether strap to tether anchor in the car to reduce head and neck injuries in a crash.
Pull seat belt anchor strap tight so that car seat moves no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) forward or sideways.
Place harness straps at or above shoulder.
Booster
Minimum requirement by law: 18 kg (40 lbs).
Remove harness straps and tether straps to use as a booster seat.
Ensure lap belt is low across the hips.
Ensure shoulder belt lies flat across the chest
Installation Parts
Universal Anchorage System (UAS)
Makes it easier to correctly install car seats.
If car does not have UAS, use the vehicle seat belt to hold car seat in place correctly.
UAS system only works for children up to 40 lbs. Use the seat belt for children over 40 lbs.
Tether Strap
A tether strap is required by law for forward-facing car seats. It prevents the car seat from tipping forward in a collision.
