Canadian Car Seat Safety Regulations

May 20th, 2009

The other day I was walking by a parked car and something caught my attention. A kitchen booster (yes, the plastic ones you use for eating) was strapped into the back seat with the seat belt and was being used as the car seat. I waited around a while for the owner to come back but eventually gave up and continued down the street completely stunned and appalled. I’ve also seen a bouncy chair being used as a car seat. Different countries and even Canadian provinces have different car seat regulations. While some may balk at them, the regulations are there for good reason, and there is good reason to NEVER use a kitchen booster or bouncy chair in replace of a car seat. After all, isn’t your child the most precious of all cargo?

Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals has certified car seat installers on staff. Here are a couple of key things to remember to insure the safest, secure attachment of a car or booster seat:

Know the age and weight of your child. The height is important as well but as long as your child’s head remains at least 1 inch below the top of the seat, that is suitable.
ALWAYS, refer to the car seat manual and your car’s manual. Read both before installing the seat. All cars have been tested with child seats and they will tell you the best position to install the seat, where the anchor bolt is, etc. Don’t guess. When in doubt, whatever you do, don’t make up some system that “appears” safe. It won’t be.
Do NOT use both a seatbelt and latch system to secure your car or booster seat. Cars have NOT been tested using both a seatbelt and the UAS system at the same time. You may think it’s safer but that may not be the case.
Some cities have locations where you can go to have your installation reviewed. Check with your automobile association for more information.