Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats

05/16/2013

As I am sure many of you noticed there have been random car seat check points around Leduc and Beaumont. A peace officer said “90% of people stopped get a ticket”.

90%?! That is a lot! I think it’s time we have a car seat check of our own (without the $115 ticket)!

This summer we will be joining up with Deanna from St. John’s Ambulance to discuss car seat safety and make sure we are using ours correctly. Register Here.

When used correctly, child safety seats and booster seats save lives and reduce injuries. Children can get hurt if their car seat and booster seats are not used properly.

Has your seat been involved in a crash? Car seat and Booster seats should be replaced if they were involved in a crash. There may be no signs of damage, but small cracks or weakened areas may not work in the next crash.

Has your seats model ever been recalled? Recalls are available from the manufacturer or Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0510 or www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (click on child safety).

Are you looking to buy a new child safety seat or booster seat? Here are some tips:

All safety seats sold in Canada must have a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) sticker. The best seat for your child is the one that you will use properly each time. Buying a second hand seat is NOT recommended.

**If you are looking at second hand seats, keep this information from Health Canada in mind:

• Car seats must have a National Safety Mark and meet current regulatory requirements.
• It is illegal to sell car seats that do not meet the current regulatory requirements (new regulations January 2012, so make sure the seat isn’t older then that).
• Car seats must come with

1. warnings
2. guidelines for use
3. installation instructions
4. date of manufacture.

• Do not buy a car seat that is past the lifespan recommended by the manufacturer or that has been in a vehicle during a collision.
• Before buying a used car seat, check with Transport Canada (info above) for more information and to find out if the car seat has been recalled.
• Be sure that it is in good condition with no missing parts and with functioning anchoring systems.

What types of safety seats are available?

Rear-facing seats are for babies until they are at LEAST one year of age and 20lbs or more.

Forward facing seats are for children OVER one year of age, who weigh between 20lbs and 40lbs.

Booster seats are for children under nine years of age who weigh between 40lbs and 80lbs

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and labels for the weight, size and/or age of the child that the seat will protect. The type of seat of that you should use for your child depends on his/her weight, height and age.

You will probably want to try putting the seat in your car before you buy it to make sure it fits. You might also want to make sure you can easily strap your child in. If you find it too hard to adjust, try a different seat.

Information provided by: Alberta Health Services, Health Canada and Transport Canada.