Child Car Seat Safety

When it comes to our children and their safety, one can never take enough precaution and children’s car seats are no exception.  Which is the best car seat? How do you properly install it?  Does one model over another make a difference?  We are flooded with these questions and we want to make the right choice.  Did you know that the number one cause of death for Canadian children is car crashes? As parents, you can make your drive safer with some simple precautions.  The City of Hamilton actually offers Car Seat Clinics as well as Car Seat education sessions.  They also offer inspections and installations by appointment.  For available dates, times and locations, please visit their website.

If you already have a car seat, please check that it has been properly installed and always make sure that your child is securely fastened with a seat belt. In Ontario, you are required by law to ensure that any passenger under the age of 16 years old be properly secured in the vehicle while driving either by seat belt or a car seat.  There are three different types of car seats:

Rear-Facing Car Seat – This car seat is used for infants who weigh 5-35 lbs. and is 19”-32” in height.

Forward-Facing Car Seat – This car seat is used for children over the age of one who weighs 22-50 lbs. and is 29”-45” in height.

Booster Seat – Booster seats are used for children who weigh 40-100 lbs. and are 38”-57” in height.

For more information on choosing the right car seat for your child please visit the Ministry of Transportation Safe & Secure page.

By: Amy Cochren

 Credit: Ministry of Transportation Ontario http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/carseat/choose.shtml

 City of Hamilton http://www.hamilton.ca/HealthandSocialServices/PublicHealth/Parenti…

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