Are you keeping your kids safe?

So I apologise in advance if this turns into a mini-mom rant/rage - I fully intend to be kind and gentle and firm - but I'm really annoyed too so there may be an edge.
I was picking up my sons from daycare when I noticed that one my son's friends was getting into a car with his mom and there was no car seat for him. Not a booster, nothing. At first I gave her the benefit of the doubt, thinking maybe it wasn't their family car so she let it go this one time, but no. I've seen them since, same car, same lack of car seat.
I know I'm a little anal when it comes to my kids' safety, but shouldn't you be? They are the most precious thing in the world. It is my job to protect them.
So, I thought maybe I'm way out there with this. After all these kids are almost 5. But I don't think so. I went and checked out the current travel standards for Canada and all children are required by law to be in a car seat or car booster seat until they are 8 or 9 (depending on the province), 145 cm and weighing about 80 lbs. So I'm not out of line here. Sure car seats can be pricey, but aren't your kids worth the expense. Booster seats start at about $40. That's not a lot really.
So you're either with me, or you think I'm completely out to lunch here. After all when I was a kid wearing seatbelts wasn't even required by law (it was by my parents though). And I'm sure you can find some grandmotherly type that will tell you they just put the baby in a basket on the floor of a car and drove all over the place. Yep, that's true. But how many kids were injured or died because of that? Why do you think these laws were created?
We all want the best for our children. We want them to be safe and healthy and going by current safety standards is just another part of that. I know I won't let my kids ride in the front of the car ever (not reccommended until they are 12) - not even around the block. I know one woman who was going just a 'short distance' and didn't have a car seat for her infant, so she put her baby on her lap while riding in the front passenger seat. Unfortunately, tragedy struck, they had to stop suddenly and the baby flew out of the mother's arms, out the windshield and died. I hope I have your attention now. Yes, she will have to live with that error for the rest of her life, but she's gone on to speak to parents urging them not to make the mistake she did. Maybe you think that would never happen to me. I'm guessing she thought it would never happen to her either. No one plans an accident. I've been rear ended, so I know it can happen to any one, any time. We have to be prepared.
I'm including the current Canadian Government standards for car travel. They can be found here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/car/index.htm
Maybe you know someone who needs to read them. Maybe you are living somewhere where the laws aren't so strict and you want to change that. I hope you find it helpful. I hope I've made you think.

Car Time - Stage 1: Safe Travel in a Rear-facing Infant Seat
TP 14337E
ISBN 0-662-39337-6
Cat. T46-29/1-2005E
Revised March 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Babies have weak neck and back muscles that need extra support when traveling in a vehicle. A rear-facing infant seat will support your baby's head and neck in a sudden stop or a crash. Be sure you use a rear-facing infant seat that fits your baby's weight and height. Use it correctly in the rear-facing position, in the back seat, every time your baby rides in the car.
Rear-facing infant seats are available as infant- only seats, infant/child seats, or infant/child/ booster seats.




An infant-only seat is designed only for use as a rear-facing infant seat.
An infant/child seat or an infant/child/booster seat can be used as a rear-facing infant seat. Later, these seats can be used as forward-facing child seats when it is the right time to have the child ride facing the front of the vehicle. See Car Time – Stage 2 for more information about forward facing child seats.

Rear-facing infant seats have different upper weight limits. Check the label on the rear-facing infant seat for the weight and height that are allowed by the manufacturer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Don't be in a hurry to start using a forward-facing child seat. The longer you use a rear-facing infant-only seat, infant /child seat, or infant/child/booster seat that fits correctly, even past your baby's first birthday, the safer your baby will be in a crash. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and check the label for the weight and height that are allowed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Choosing a rear-facing infant seat for your baby
Weigh your baby.
Measure your baby's height or length.
Check the label to be sure the seat will fit your baby's weight and height.
A rear-facing infant-only seat is a good choice for a smaller baby, or a newborn.
An infant/child seat used in the rear-facing position is a good choice for a taller or heavier baby.
Make sure that the rear-facing seat fits well in the back seat of your vehicle.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Securing your baby in a rear-facing infant seat
Read the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual to learn how to install a rear facing infant seat in your vehicle.
Always put a rear-facing infant seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Never put a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger seat.
If your vehicle has side air bags, see the Transport Canada fact sheet on How to Read the instructions that came with your baby's car seat.



Install the harness straps using the slot positions that are at or slightly below your baby's shoulders.
Buckle your baby into the seat.
Make sure the harness straps are fastened tightly. They hold your baby in the seat.
“Tightly” means only one finger fits between the harness strap and your baby at the collarbone.

The chest clip should be positioned at the armpit level to hold the harness straps in place
Check where the top of your baby's head lies on the back of the seat.
If the top of your baby's head is less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the top of the seat, a bigger seat is needed.
If there is a sunshade or canopy attached to the handle of the infant-only seat, the sunshade must not be used in the car.
Install the rear-facing infant seat with the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) or with the seat belt.

Installing a rear-facing infant seat
Read the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual to learn how to install a rear facing infant seat in your vehicle.
Always put a rear-facing infant seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Never put a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger seat.
If your vehicle has side air bags, see the Transport Canada fact sheet on How to Protect Children in Vehicles with Side Air Bags.
Put the handle of the infant-only seat in the position recommended by the manufacturer.

Installing with UAS
Car seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 have two UAS connectors that attach to the UAS anchor bars in newer vehicles.
Check the vehicle owner's manual for the seating positions that can be used with UAS.
You may need to thread the UAS webbing strap through the infant/child seat or the base of the infant-only seat.
Attach the two UAS connectors to the UAS anchor bars and tighten the strap.
The rear-facing infant seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from side to side or forward.



Items not provided by the car seat manufacturer such as liners, trays, or comfort straps may interfere with the safety of the seat. Check with the car seat manufacturer before using these products with the baby's car seat.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Installing with a seat belt
Thread the seat belt webbing through the path as shown in the infant seat instructions.
Buckle the seat belt and make sure it is tight. The seat belt keeps your baby's seat in place in the vehicle.
The rear-facing infant seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from side to side or forward.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With some vehicles, you will need to use a locking clip with the seat belt to hold a rear-facing infant seat securely in place. Read the vehicle instructions for installing children's car seats.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Using the infant seat outside the vehicle

Some infant seats are also used to hold or carry a baby outside the vehicle. Make sure you keep the harness fastened correctly whenever your baby is in the seat.

Do not use the infant seat if your baby is bigger than the height or weight printed on the label.
When you use an infant seat outside the vehicle, the seat can tip over easily when the baby moves.
Place the infant seat on or close to the floor.
Make sure nothing will fall on your baby.
Never leave your baby unattended.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The use of an infant car seat as a crib outside the vehicle has resulted in death when the infant became tangled in the straps and strangled. An infant car seat should never be used as a crib.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When to replace a rear-facing infant seat

If there was a crash and the rear-facing infant seat was in the car at the time. You should do this even if your baby was not riding in the seat during the crash.
When the car seat has reached the expiry date.
Fill out and mail the registration card that comes with your child's car seat. If there is a recall, the company will be able to contact you.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Car Time - Stage 2: Safe Travel in a Forward-facing Child Seat
TP 14338E
ISBN 0-662-39340-6
Cat. T46-29/2-2005
Revised March 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A forward-facing child seat will spread the forces of a sudden stop or a crash over the strongest parts of your child's body. Use a forward-facing child seat that fits your child's weight and height.

When to use a forward-facing child seat

Before you make the change to a forward-facing child seat, ask these questions:


Is your child too heavy or too tall for your rear-facing infant seat? There may be another rear-facing seat that will fit your child.
Does your child still fit within the weight and height given on the label for your rear-facing infant/child seat? You may be able to continue using the rear-facing infant seat until your child outgrows it.

If you use a forward-facing child seat too soon, your child could be hurt during a sudden stop or a crash. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. See Car Time – Stage 1 for information on seats for rear-facing use.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choosing a forward-facing child seat
An infant/child seat or an infant/child/booster seat can be used as a rear-facing infant seat then later used as a forward-facing child seat. Check the instructions for the weight and height limits and how to convert from rear-facing use to forward-facing use.

See Car Time – Stage 1 for more information about rear-facing infant seats.

A child/booster seat can be used as a forward facing child seat then used as a booster seat later when the child reaches that stage. Check the instructions for the weight and height limits and how to use it as a child seat.

See Car Time –Stage 3 for more information about booster seats.

Before you choose a child seat:

Weigh your child.
Measure your child's height.
Check the label on the child seat to be sure the seat will fit your child's weight and height.
Make sure the child seat fits well in the back seat of your vehicle.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Securing your child in a forward-facing child seat
Read the instructions for the forward-facing child seat to help you use it correctly.
Install the harness straps using the slot positions that are at or slightly above your child's shoulders.
Make sure the harness straps are fastened tightly to hold your child in the seat. “Tightly” means only one finger fits between the harness strap and your child at the chest.
The chest clip should be positioned at the armpit level to hold the harness straps in place


Items not provided by the car seat manufacturer such as liners, trays, or comfort straps may interfere with the safety of the seat. Check with the car seat manufacturer before using these products with the car seat.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installing a forward-facing child seat
Read the car seat instructions and the instructions in the vehicle owner's manual to learn how to install a forward-facing child seat.
Install a forward-facing child seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Children 12 and under need to ride in the back seat away from the front-seat air bags.
If your vehicle has side air bags, see the Transport Canada fact sheet on How to Protect Children in Vehicles with Side Air Bags.
Install a child seat using a tether strap and a seat belt or using a tether strap and the Universal Anchorage System (UAS).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Installing with a seat belt
Thread the seat belt webbing through the child seat as shown in the instructions.
Buckle the seat belt and make sure it is tight. The seat belt keeps your child seat in place in the vehicle.

When you install the child seat, use your knee to push down on the child seat at the same time
you tighten the seat belt.
Attach the tether strap to hold the top of the child seat in place and tighten the strap.
The child seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from side to side or forward.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With some vehicles, you will need to use a locking clip with the seat belt to install a forward-facing child seat securely in place. Read the vehicle instructions for installing car seats.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installing with UAS
Car seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 have two UAS connectors that attach to the UAS anchor bars in newer vehicles.
Check the vehicle owner's manual for the seating positions that can be used with UAS.
Attach the two UAS connectors to the UAS anchor bars and tighten the strap.
Attach the tether strap to hold the top of the child seat in place and tighten the strap.
The child seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from side to side or forward.


The tether strap
A top tether strap must be used on all forward-facing child seats.
The tether strap hook must be attached to a tether anchor.
You will need one tether anchor for each child seat used in the vehicle.
If your vehicle does not have a tether anchor, ask your vehicle dealer to install one.



The symbol for UAS marks the location of the anchor bars in the vehicle and the connectors on the car seat.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When to replace a forward-facing child seat

If there was a crash and the child seat was in the car at the time. You should do this even if your child was not riding in the seat during the crash.
When it has reached the expiry date.
Fill out and mail the registration card that comes with your child's car seat. If there is a recall, the company will be able to contact you.

Car Time - Stage 3: Safe Travel in a Booster Seat
At Stage 3, your child should weighs at least 18 kg (40 pounds), and may be about 4 1/2 years old. Your child is now ready to use a booster seat. The booster seat will keep the seat belt in the correct place over your child's body. You must use the seat belt to hold the booster seat and child in place.
If you use a booster seat when your child is too small, your child could be hurt during a sudden stop or if your car is in a crash.
TP14339E
ISBN 0-662-30083-1
Cat. T46-29/1-2001E
Revised March 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When to use a booster seat:

Only use a booster seat for children who weigh at least 18 kg (40 pounds).

Use the booster seat each time you go out in the car with your child.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to use a booster seat:

Choose a booster seat that fits your child and your vehicle.

Read the instructions for your vehicle and read the instructions that came with the booster seat. This will help you to place your child in the booster correctly. You also need to be sure you are using the correct seat belt system with the booster seat.

The back seat is the safest place for your child.

Always put the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt behind the child's back or under the arm. This could cause a serious injury if there is a crash.

Always put the lap belt low and snug across the hips. Never let the lap belt ride up over the child's stomach. This could cause a serious injury if there is a crash.

Buckle up an empty booster seat with the seat belt so it won't move around.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When to replace a booster seat:

Replace the booster seat if your car is in a crash. You should do this even if your child was not riding in the booster seat during the crash.

When it reaches the expiry date.


Car Time - Stage 4: Safe Travel in a Seat Belt
In Stage 4, your child is over 36 kg (80 pounds), about 8 years of age, and has grown enough to use the seat belt.
Did you know that children have been hurt or killed in a crash because they were too small to use a seat belt? It is important that the seat belt fits correctly. If you find that your child is too small for a seat belt, use a booster seat or a forward-facing child seat that is right for your child's weight and height.
TP14340E
ISBN 0-662-30084-X
Cat. T46-29/2-2001E
Revised March 2006



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep this in mind:
The back seat is the safest place for your child.

Seat belts with lap and shoulder straps will hold both the upper and lower body in place. They provide the best protection for Stage 4 children riding in a vehicle.

Slouching causes the lap belt to ride up over the stomach. Children whose legs can bend over the edge of the seat when they are sitting up straight against the seat back are less likely to slouch.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When to buckle up:

Always follow vehicle instructions for using the seat belt.

Check to be sure that children are not slouching in the seat.

Keep the lap belt low and snug across the hips. Never put the lap belt across the stomach. This could injure your child in a crash.

Put the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt behind the child's back or under the arm. This could injure your child in a crash.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seat belts for adults:

Seat belts help prevent deaths and they reduce the number of serious injuries in crashes. A seat belt helps to spread the force of a crash over the strongest areas of the body. Parents should set a good example for children by wearing their own seat belts correctly and using them all the time.

To protect people in a crash, seat belts must be worn with the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest.

When worn correctly, the lap belt spreads the force of a crash over the bones in the hips and the shoulder
belt spreads the force of the crash across the chest.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to use the lap belt:

Put the lap belt low across the hips and keep it snug.

Never put the lap belt across the stomach. This could cause serious injuries because there is no bone to absorb the force of the crash. In a crash, if you are not wearing a lap belt correctly, you could suffer a broken spinal cord or serious damage to vital organs inside your body.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to use the shoulder belt:

Put the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest.

Never put the shoulder belt under the arm. If a crash occurs, a shoulder belt under the arm could injure your heart, lungs or other organs inside your body.

If you have a choice between a lap seat belt and a lap/shoulder belt, remember that the lap/shoulder belt will protect you better in a crash.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact Us:
For questions about seat belts, please contact the manufacturer. For more information or to order more copies of this publication, contact:

Transport Canada at: 1-800-333-0371, by email: roadsafetywebmail@tc.gc.ca

Health Canada at: (613) 952-1014, by fax: (613) 941-4376 or by email: cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca