Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Monday, June 13, 2011
You gotta check everything!
Last week we came home to a flood in the house. Not an act of nature, but rather an act of a 4 year old. Yes, my child was playing with water post morning teeth brushing before we went out for the day and left the water running with a facecloth in the drain hole. Now that we are a week past it, I feel I can write about it a bit. As I was speaking with the insurance agent last week, she was quick to assure me that I'm not the only one this has happened too, in fact I'd be surprised how many people she speaks to who have had the exact same thing happen to them. So this is a friendly letting you know that yes keep checking the stove, the coffee pot and the windows before you go out, but also check the taps because you never know!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
When would you let your child go to the park alone? - Venting a Parenting Frustration!
I confronted another parent at the playground today. If you know me at all, you know that I hate conflict. It makes me uncomfortable. I worry about offending people and hurting their feelings. But this was something I just couldn't hold in and had been stewing on for the past few weeks. I just hadn't done anything about it yet. Let me rewind to the last weekend of March. My oldest son (age 6) was invited to a school friend's birthday party. I was happy to send him for the afternoon. I do know the family slightly and have chatted with the mom off an on for the past year or so.
When I picked my son up later that afternoon I was surprised to hear that the kids had spent part of the afternoon at the park, alone. These are 5 and 6 year old kids. I was pretty shocked. And angry. My kids don't go to the park alone. We live in a pretty big city. Their place is less than a block away from a major busy road. I couldn't imagine what she was thinking that this would be okay. Maybe it is okay for her to let her kids go off alone, but that's a pretty big leap to send off kids who aren't hers off alone. Thank God nothing bad happened to the kids, but I can only imagine the fall out if something did.
There's a level of trust in sending your child to visit at a friend's place. You trust that the people will watch out for your child. I didn't think to ask, "Will my son be supervised while he's at this party?" I just couldn't imagine that he wouldn't be.
Today was the first opportunity I had to speak with the mother. I started off by telling her how pleased my son had been to attend her son's birthday party, and then I shared how I felt about the kids being unsupervised. I don't know if she really 'got it', and she didn't offer an apology. I can only hope that the next time she has children in her care that aren't hers, she takes more responsibility with it. I know I won't be allowing my son over there again any time soon.
This begs the question then, when is it okay for kids to be sent off on their own? When are you comfortable with it? In Canada there are no legal guidelines in place (as far as I can find out) but it is suggested that a child of 10 can be left for short periods of time, trusting that they are mature enough and responsible enough to deal with it. In the US, State laws vary, some states offering a suggested age (ranging from 8 to 12) with other having a firm age (in Oregon, it's 10). To see a list click here). The American National SAFEKIDS Campaign recommends that no child under the age of 12 be left home alone. So where are you at with all of this? What age do you (or will you) allow your child to be alone in certain situations?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Dressing for Winter and Car Seat Safety
I was reflecting today how autumn seemed to slip away from me. I can't avoid it any longer, after all Christmas is next week and we've already has a few dumps of snow in our neighbourhood. Winter (or at least winter weather) is officially here. It's cold. We're into our mittens and warm hats.
Being Canadian, I take knowledge of how to dress for the weather for granted. It gets cold, you add a layer, no big deal. I have a friend who has recently moved here from Pakistan and the weather is quite a shock for her. She finds the 10 degree (celcius) days of autumn cold. She finds the -3 (plus a windchill to make it feel like -10) unbearable. She was over the other morning for tea after we had dropped our sons off at school. We both have daughters about the same age (1 year). I undressed my little girl from her hat, mittens, lined fleece suit and boots and let her play. My friend took a lot longer. She removed a snowsuit, not one but two fleece suits, a scarf, mittens, and boots before her daughter was free to play. "Is that too much?" she asked. "A little." I said. Her daughter may be warm, but also may be too warm and overheat. So what's appropriate dress for cold weather like this.
Here's what my little one usually wears: a onesie with a sweater or a long sleeved shirt over top, a pair of babylegs (baby leg warmers), a pair of pants, and then either her snowsuit or a fleece bunting suit overtop. A warm hat (that she can't get off herself) and mittens, socks and boots complete the outfit. That's really all that is needed. I'm a little wary of the safety of scarves (they can be tied too tight too easily, or, the end can get caught in a stroller wheel and pull to choke). If you are out and about with a stroller you can always add a layer by adding a blanket too.
A lot of moms don't realize how big and bulky their little one becomes when dressing them for winter. This affects the safety of strollers and car seats. Fortunately, there is a lot more awareness around this issue. Here's some ideas and tips to help you out.
First believe me when I say that adding snowsuits and layers affects the safety of the car seat. You can check it out yourself. Bring your car seat inside your home. Dress your little one in full snow gear. Now put them in their car seat. Buckle them up. Now take them out of the car seat. Remove the snow gear. Put your little one back in the car seat and buckle them up. Take a look at how much excess seat belt has been pulled out to allow for the snow suit. Quite a lot! You may wonder what the big deal is. Unfortunately there are instances of families being a car crash. Due to the force of the crash the baby was fully ejected from the car seat because of the amount of room let out to allow for the snowsuit. So what can you do? You want your little one to be both warm and safe.
1. Dress your baby in a lined fleece suit. It's thin enough to be safe, but warm enough to be warm. You can always add a blanket on top. (I've found this to be the best with littler ones)
2. Have your little one in their snowsuit until you get to the car. Take the snow suit off and belt them in the car seat. Then, put their jacket on backwards over their arms. (I do this with my older boy who is three. He doesn't wear snow pants in the car. He brings them if we are going somewhere that he needs them, but most of the time he leaves them at home.
3. Little babies in infant seats can use a car seat cover. You want to get the kind that fits over top of the whole car seat as opposed to the kind that you belt in. Nothing should be behind your little one in the car seat. I don't know why they continue to make these things, but they aren't safe!
Winter can be a pain for lots of reasons. The multi-layer dressing is just one of them. Give yourself time to do it right. Lets keep our kids warm and safe this winter!
Being Canadian, I take knowledge of how to dress for the weather for granted. It gets cold, you add a layer, no big deal. I have a friend who has recently moved here from Pakistan and the weather is quite a shock for her. She finds the 10 degree (celcius) days of autumn cold. She finds the -3 (plus a windchill to make it feel like -10) unbearable. She was over the other morning for tea after we had dropped our sons off at school. We both have daughters about the same age (1 year). I undressed my little girl from her hat, mittens, lined fleece suit and boots and let her play. My friend took a lot longer. She removed a snowsuit, not one but two fleece suits, a scarf, mittens, and boots before her daughter was free to play. "Is that too much?" she asked. "A little." I said. Her daughter may be warm, but also may be too warm and overheat. So what's appropriate dress for cold weather like this.
Here's what my little one usually wears: a onesie with a sweater or a long sleeved shirt over top, a pair of babylegs (baby leg warmers), a pair of pants, and then either her snowsuit or a fleece bunting suit overtop. A warm hat (that she can't get off herself) and mittens, socks and boots complete the outfit. That's really all that is needed. I'm a little wary of the safety of scarves (they can be tied too tight too easily, or, the end can get caught in a stroller wheel and pull to choke). If you are out and about with a stroller you can always add a layer by adding a blanket too.
A lot of moms don't realize how big and bulky their little one becomes when dressing them for winter. This affects the safety of strollers and car seats. Fortunately, there is a lot more awareness around this issue. Here's some ideas and tips to help you out.
First believe me when I say that adding snowsuits and layers affects the safety of the car seat. You can check it out yourself. Bring your car seat inside your home. Dress your little one in full snow gear. Now put them in their car seat. Buckle them up. Now take them out of the car seat. Remove the snow gear. Put your little one back in the car seat and buckle them up. Take a look at how much excess seat belt has been pulled out to allow for the snow suit. Quite a lot! You may wonder what the big deal is. Unfortunately there are instances of families being a car crash. Due to the force of the crash the baby was fully ejected from the car seat because of the amount of room let out to allow for the snowsuit. So what can you do? You want your little one to be both warm and safe.
1. Dress your baby in a lined fleece suit. It's thin enough to be safe, but warm enough to be warm. You can always add a blanket on top. (I've found this to be the best with littler ones)
2. Have your little one in their snowsuit until you get to the car. Take the snow suit off and belt them in the car seat. Then, put their jacket on backwards over their arms. (I do this with my older boy who is three. He doesn't wear snow pants in the car. He brings them if we are going somewhere that he needs them, but most of the time he leaves them at home.
3. Little babies in infant seats can use a car seat cover. You want to get the kind that fits over top of the whole car seat as opposed to the kind that you belt in. Nothing should be behind your little one in the car seat. I don't know why they continue to make these things, but they aren't safe!
Winter can be a pain for lots of reasons. The multi-layer dressing is just one of them. Give yourself time to do it right. Lets keep our kids warm and safe this winter!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
But you turned out okay!
I am a child of the 70's. My mom loved me lots and did everything in her power to take the absolute best care of me (and my brother). She was educated on infant and child development and followed the advice given to her by professionals. I'm now a 21st Century parent. I too love my children and am doing everything in my power to take the absolute best care of them. I too educate myself on infant and child development and follow the advice given to my by professionals. So what's the difference? The difference is that we have been given different advice.
My mom raised us in a time when long term breastfeeding was not an encouraged practice. Bottles and formula were the thing. Parents were told to give their babies cereal at a few weeks old as it would help fill them up and they would sleep longer.
I'm raising my kids at a time where long term breastfeeding is recommended and encouraged. The formulas that we give our babies are more scientifically designed and much healthier for our babies. We are told to hold off on all solids for the first 6 months (even that advice changed since my oldest was an infant, 6 years ago the recommendation was 4-6 months). So what's the difference? About 30 years of research. So what's the problem? Many grandmothers, Aunties and well intentioned older ladies love these babies too and want to help you out. They do what women do best, give advice (notice I didn't say meddle or interfere?). The problem is the advice they have is 30 years out of date and like most women, many will get incensed at the idea that they could be wrong about something, often responding, "well I did that with you and you turned out okay!" (or your husband, or whoever). There is a very kind way to deal with this. My favorite comes from a letter I found from Dr. Sears:
Attention all Grandmothers:
Much has been learned over the past thirty years about infant nutrition and development. Many practices that were common three decades ago are now known to be unhealthy, maybe even dangerous to a young infant.
I know that the experts told you to start feeding your babies cereal after a few weeks of life; and you followed their advice because you loved your children. Now we know that an infant's gut is not ready for solid foods until around six months of age. If you start a food too early, he is much more likely to become allergic to it. This can result in damage to the intestines, weight loss, blood in the stool, and malnutrition. You might argue, "Well, my kids started solid foods at three weeks, and they turned out just fine." The truth is, very few adults have perfectly working digestive tracts. Just look at all the commercials for heartburn remedies and stool softeners... "ever feel gassy and bloated after a meal?"
Here is what the experts are saying now:
* Breastfeed for at least one year.
* Start cereal and other solids after six months of age.
Grammy, please let your daughters follow this advice, because they love your grandchildren as much as you do.
Dr. Jim
I love it. Perfectly worded, and by an expert in infant and child development. Remember these lovely ladies are not trying to frustrate you, they are trying to love your kids. You are the mom now. Make your wishes known (politely, we're not trying to start WW3 in the family) about feeding your baby, especially if they are going to be the baby's caretakers once in a while, and be ready to back yourself up with facts. It's quite possible that the reason we are seeing more people our age with bowel issues like Crohn's disease relates back to incorrect infant feeding when we were infants. Just be ready for both responses. Hopefully all will be well and you'll be greeted with understanding. But you also need to be ready for the opposite. It's okay to disagree here, but you are the parent, you are the one who is the key decision maker here. Be polite but firm. Look at all the other advice parents were given 30 years ago that doesn't hold true today:
-babies were put on their tummies to sleep (My sister in law was putting her baby on her tummy to sleep, because that's what she knew to do...until her pediatrician told her that 2 babies in the area had died recently from SIDS who were sleeping on their tummies.)
-car seats and seat belts were optional (I actually remember when wearing a seat belt became law in my province. I can't even imagine not wearing a seat belt today, have you ever walked into a room dealing with automobile trauma? My mom has, she was an OR RN for over 30 years, it ain't pretty.)
-women were allowed to smoke and drink during pregnancy (Have you ever met a child with FAS or FAE? I have. I've taught a few in my career, a very preventable diagnosis that these children will have to live with for the rest of their lives.)
Really, we all have the same interest in mind. We love these children passionately and want the best for them, sometimes we just need to keep ourselves and the other around us educated about what the best is.
My mom raised us in a time when long term breastfeeding was not an encouraged practice. Bottles and formula were the thing. Parents were told to give their babies cereal at a few weeks old as it would help fill them up and they would sleep longer.
I'm raising my kids at a time where long term breastfeeding is recommended and encouraged. The formulas that we give our babies are more scientifically designed and much healthier for our babies. We are told to hold off on all solids for the first 6 months (even that advice changed since my oldest was an infant, 6 years ago the recommendation was 4-6 months). So what's the difference? About 30 years of research. So what's the problem? Many grandmothers, Aunties and well intentioned older ladies love these babies too and want to help you out. They do what women do best, give advice (notice I didn't say meddle or interfere?). The problem is the advice they have is 30 years out of date and like most women, many will get incensed at the idea that they could be wrong about something, often responding, "well I did that with you and you turned out okay!" (or your husband, or whoever). There is a very kind way to deal with this. My favorite comes from a letter I found from Dr. Sears:
Attention all Grandmothers:
Much has been learned over the past thirty years about infant nutrition and development. Many practices that were common three decades ago are now known to be unhealthy, maybe even dangerous to a young infant.
I know that the experts told you to start feeding your babies cereal after a few weeks of life; and you followed their advice because you loved your children. Now we know that an infant's gut is not ready for solid foods until around six months of age. If you start a food too early, he is much more likely to become allergic to it. This can result in damage to the intestines, weight loss, blood in the stool, and malnutrition. You might argue, "Well, my kids started solid foods at three weeks, and they turned out just fine." The truth is, very few adults have perfectly working digestive tracts. Just look at all the commercials for heartburn remedies and stool softeners... "ever feel gassy and bloated after a meal?"
Here is what the experts are saying now:
* Breastfeed for at least one year.
* Start cereal and other solids after six months of age.
Grammy, please let your daughters follow this advice, because they love your grandchildren as much as you do.
Dr. Jim
I love it. Perfectly worded, and by an expert in infant and child development. Remember these lovely ladies are not trying to frustrate you, they are trying to love your kids. You are the mom now. Make your wishes known (politely, we're not trying to start WW3 in the family) about feeding your baby, especially if they are going to be the baby's caretakers once in a while, and be ready to back yourself up with facts. It's quite possible that the reason we are seeing more people our age with bowel issues like Crohn's disease relates back to incorrect infant feeding when we were infants. Just be ready for both responses. Hopefully all will be well and you'll be greeted with understanding. But you also need to be ready for the opposite. It's okay to disagree here, but you are the parent, you are the one who is the key decision maker here. Be polite but firm. Look at all the other advice parents were given 30 years ago that doesn't hold true today:
-babies were put on their tummies to sleep (My sister in law was putting her baby on her tummy to sleep, because that's what she knew to do...until her pediatrician told her that 2 babies in the area had died recently from SIDS who were sleeping on their tummies.)
-car seats and seat belts were optional (I actually remember when wearing a seat belt became law in my province. I can't even imagine not wearing a seat belt today, have you ever walked into a room dealing with automobile trauma? My mom has, she was an OR RN for over 30 years, it ain't pretty.)
-women were allowed to smoke and drink during pregnancy (Have you ever met a child with FAS or FAE? I have. I've taught a few in my career, a very preventable diagnosis that these children will have to live with for the rest of their lives.)
Really, we all have the same interest in mind. We love these children passionately and want the best for them, sometimes we just need to keep ourselves and the other around us educated about what the best is.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Life in the NICU - The Car Seat Test
Here it was, my big moment. I walked in the NICU carrying my daughter's car seat. I saw the looks of admiration/jealousy on the faces of other NICU parents. We all knew what this meant. Our time left in the NICU was running out, my girl would be coming home soon.
So what is this car seat test all about anyway? Basically, the baby sits in the car seat for an hour and half while on monitors and the nurses watch and records what happens. Car seats were not designed for premature babies. A lot of these babies have had some level of respiratory needs. The car seat test is designed to make sure that they are ready to go in a car seat and not go into respiratory distress.
My girl passed with flying colours!
So what is this car seat test all about anyway? Basically, the baby sits in the car seat for an hour and half while on monitors and the nurses watch and records what happens. Car seats were not designed for premature babies. A lot of these babies have had some level of respiratory needs. The car seat test is designed to make sure that they are ready to go in a car seat and not go into respiratory distress.
My girl passed with flying colours!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Follow up on Internet Safety and Kids
Jill's post this weekend really got me thinking about how safe have I been with my kids online? I know my settings are very high on Facebook (which is where the bulk of my pictures are stashed) and on purpose I don't use my children's names on this site because I do have a few pictures of them on here. I took a look at my blogger profile just to double check that my location was vague (it is) and that my name was just my first (it is). My mom (gotta love it when God speaks to Grammas!) was also prompted by Jill's experience to check up on my kids' safety online. The one thing I didn't think about was my regular blog. She's right. It doesn't take much for anyone to link this site with any other blog I write. My regular blog does have more pictures, names and identifying details in it. Hmmm, all of a sudden it didn't feel as good anymore. My blog was created for me to share with family and friends. Who else is looking at it? I didn't want to be extreme about it and erase everything I'd written these past number of years, but I didn't want it all left out there for whoever to track down. Fortunately, I remembered that blogger does have the ability to create permissions under its settings. I went into that and changed the permissions to by invitation only can read this blog. I feel a lot better now.
The thing is, is that I should know better and thought that I did. I don't have a Flickr account because I knew that it was too easy for just anyone to scam my pictures from it. Pretty much anything else I join online has high privacy settings set on it. I like that the internet allows me to easily share stories and pictures with friends and family who live in other parts of the country. We just have to be smart about it. There is a way to balance safety and fear. To enjoy what is available to us without being afraid of it.
A couple of years ago, we were fortunate to have a leading expert in children and teen internet safety come to speak to the school district I work for (I am a teacher). Her name is Parry Aftab and she was one of the most interesting speakers that I've heard. I would really encourage all parents to take a look at her site "Wired Safety" (just click on the words). I hope you find her work just as helpful and insightful as I have, no matter what age your children are, there is something there to help you out.
The thing is, is that I should know better and thought that I did. I don't have a Flickr account because I knew that it was too easy for just anyone to scam my pictures from it. Pretty much anything else I join online has high privacy settings set on it. I like that the internet allows me to easily share stories and pictures with friends and family who live in other parts of the country. We just have to be smart about it. There is a way to balance safety and fear. To enjoy what is available to us without being afraid of it.
A couple of years ago, we were fortunate to have a leading expert in children and teen internet safety come to speak to the school district I work for (I am a teacher). Her name is Parry Aftab and she was one of the most interesting speakers that I've heard. I would really encourage all parents to take a look at her site "Wired Safety" (just click on the words). I hope you find her work just as helpful and insightful as I have, no matter what age your children are, there is something there to help you out.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Kids Photos on Social Networking Sites
So, I had a kind of creepy experience today. I went to check my email, and there was someone requesting to be my contact on Flikr. This happens once in a while, as I am quite an active Flikr user. Most of my photos relate to crafts, swaps, and quilts that I am working on. Mostly the people who want to be my contacts are swapping with me, or are other people who do crafts or make quilts and who hang out in the same groups as I do. But this person was someone unfamiliar to me -- I had never received a comment from them or "seen" them on any of the craft-related and swap-related groups I generally post in.
Flash back: A year or so ago, before I had my laptop, I thought my desktop computer was going to crash because it was slowing down so much. It was a dinosoar and did not have a drive that could write anything to cd, and Yahoo! photos was shutting down and being overtaken by Flikr. So I paid my subscription fee and transferred all my family photos for the last 3 years to Flikr, without thinking much about it. Most of them I transferred with a "Private" Setting, but a few files had photos of quilts and crafts and my kids, so I left those whole files as "Public", meaning to go back and change them later.
Flash forward to today: So, I go to check out the profile of this stranger who wants to be my contact. And do you know what is in their favorites? Exclusively photos of little boys, mostly with blond hair and blue eyes, like my boys. The person is a single male, whose photos are all of dogs and vacations. Creepy. I think I will block you, thank you very much.
Guess what I spent the afternoon doing? I rifled through my entire Flikr account, making almost all the photos of my boys private. Weirdly enough, I found two photos of my boys that have not been posted in any Group that I know of that had between 100 and 200 views each - generally my photos have 2 or 3 views, and my quilts sometimes have 30 or 40. Where did those people come from? Who were they? And what were they doing looking at photos of my children?
That is my cautionary tale for today. Be careful what you casually post on the internet. Those of us who hang around in the friendly mom and craft and food and decorating parts of the web can sometimes forget that it it not really a safe place.
Flash back: A year or so ago, before I had my laptop, I thought my desktop computer was going to crash because it was slowing down so much. It was a dinosoar and did not have a drive that could write anything to cd, and Yahoo! photos was shutting down and being overtaken by Flikr. So I paid my subscription fee and transferred all my family photos for the last 3 years to Flikr, without thinking much about it. Most of them I transferred with a "Private" Setting, but a few files had photos of quilts and crafts and my kids, so I left those whole files as "Public", meaning to go back and change them later.
Flash forward to today: So, I go to check out the profile of this stranger who wants to be my contact. And do you know what is in their favorites? Exclusively photos of little boys, mostly with blond hair and blue eyes, like my boys. The person is a single male, whose photos are all of dogs and vacations. Creepy. I think I will block you, thank you very much.
Guess what I spent the afternoon doing? I rifled through my entire Flikr account, making almost all the photos of my boys private. Weirdly enough, I found two photos of my boys that have not been posted in any Group that I know of that had between 100 and 200 views each - generally my photos have 2 or 3 views, and my quilts sometimes have 30 or 40. Where did those people come from? Who were they? And what were they doing looking at photos of my children?
That is my cautionary tale for today. Be careful what you casually post on the internet. Those of us who hang around in the friendly mom and craft and food and decorating parts of the web can sometimes forget that it it not really a safe place.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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
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