Car Seat Safety
Securing your baby in their car seat and installing the car seat in your vehicle may seem like a challenging task if you have never done this before. Resources are available to help you.
Baby’s first car seat
Your newborn must be transported in a rear-facing car seat.
- Rear-facing car seats are safest for children. In a crash, they offer the best protection for your baby’s developing head, neck and spine.
- Choose a seat that is rear facing only, or a convertible seat that can continue to fit your growing child, if it is compatible with your vehicle (e.g. does not touch the back of your vehicle seat).
- The longer your child can sit rear-facing, the safer it is for them, if they still meet the height and weight specifications for the seat. Do not rush!
Before using a car seat
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly and consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- Ensure the car seat has the Canadian National Safety Mark.
- Check the expiry date.
- Register the car seat with the manufacturer (mail-in card or online) so you can be contacted in the case of a recall.
Want to use a used car seat?
- If you do not know the history of the car seat, DO NOT USE IT! Seats used in a crash must be thrown away, even if they do not look damaged.
- Check on the Transport Canada website to see if the seat has been recalled. https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/defects-recalls-vehicles-tires-child-car-seats/safety-alerts-notices-child-car-seats
Securing your baby in the car seat
Practice before transporting your infant in their car seat for the first time. Use a doll or a friend’s baby!
- Dress baby in regular clothing and use blankets or a shower cap-type cover for warmth. Extra bulk under the seat straps interferes with seat function.
- Harness straps lay flat at the level of baby’s shoulders or just below.
- Tighten straps snug enough that a fold of the strap cannot be pinched up, or that more than one finger fits under the strap at the collarbone.
- Chest clip at baby’s armpit level. Remove harness strap covers.
Securing the car seat in your vehicle
- Choose back seats where there is no active airbag.
- Use the Universal Anchorage System or seatbelt.
- Once secured, the car seat should not wiggle more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) side to side.
- Check manufacturer’s instructions to tell if the seat is at the correct angle, how to make an adjustment and how the seat handle should be positioned.
To view a video about fitting your baby in the car seat or book a Car Seat Consultation: https://www.lhsc.on.ca/trauma/car-seat-education
References and Additional Information
Government of Canada. (2019). Choosing a child car seat or booster seat. https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/child-car-seat-safety/choosing-child-car-seat-booster-seat
Ontario Ministry of Transportation. (2023). Choosing a child car seat. https://www.ontario.ca/page/choosing-child-car-seat
Parachute Canada. (2023). Car seats. https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/car-seats/
Kessa Dunlop, WFN-4 student for the Middlesex-London Health Unit
