Not too long ago, kids were free to bounce from one end of the car to the other when they were out for a drive. Times have changed, and these days children must spend their car trips snug and secure in a safety seat.
In Canada, car crashes are the leading cause of accidental death for youth and children. Statistics tell us that in the event of an accident, the risk of death drops by 75% when babies are secured in car seats, and booster seats reduce the risk of injury in older children by 60%.
All provinces in Canada require infants and small children to travel in car seats. In Newfoundland and Labrador, BC, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI booster seats are mandatory.
For anyone in the market for a child safety seat, the variety and number on the market can be intimidating. However, there are a just a few key things to keep in mind. First, all seats must carry the National Safety Mark label. It signifies the seat meets Canadian standards and is legal to use.
Types of seats
Rear-facing car seats are made for babies up to about 1 year of age or until they weigh 9-10 kg (20-22 lbs.). These seats allow babies to recline at a 45-degree angle, which provides the head support they need at that age.
Front-facing car seats accommodate children up to the ages of 5 or 6, or up to or 18-23 kg (40-50 lbs.), depending on the model.
Booster seats are for children who weigh between18 and 36 kg. They prevent seat-belt injuries and allow children to sit up higher in the car. Provinces in which booster seats are mandatory recommend that children ride in them until they are at least 8 or 9 years old, or have reached a minimum height of 145 cm (4'9”).
Regardless of the type of seat, it’s important not to rush to put your child into the next size up, but rather wait until they’ve outgrown the height or weight limit for the seat they’re in. In 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that toddlers ride in rear-facing seats until they are 2 years old or reach the height and weight limit for the seat.
In Canada, car crashes are the leading cause of accidental death for youth and children. Statistics tell us that in the event of an accident, the risk of death drops by 75% when babies are secured in car seats, and booster seats reduce the risk of injury in older children by 60%.
All provinces in Canada require infants and small children to travel in car seats. In Newfoundland and Labrador, BC, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI booster seats are mandatory.
For anyone in the market for a child safety seat, the variety and number on the market can be intimidating. However, there are a just a few key things to keep in mind. First, all seats must carry the National Safety Mark label. It signifies the seat meets Canadian standards and is legal to use.
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Types of seats
Rear-facing car seats are made for babies up to about 1 year of age or until they weigh 9-10 kg (20-22 lbs.). These seats allow babies to recline at a 45-degree angle, which provides the head support they need at that age.
Front-facing car seats accommodate children up to the ages of 5 or 6, or up to or 18-23 kg (40-50 lbs.), depending on the model.
Booster seats are for children who weigh between18 and 36 kg. They prevent seat-belt injuries and allow children to sit up higher in the car. Provinces in which booster seats are mandatory recommend that children ride in them until they are at least 8 or 9 years old, or have reached a minimum height of 145 cm (4'9”).
Regardless of the type of seat, it’s important not to rush to put your child into the next size up, but rather wait until they’ve outgrown the height or weight limit for the seat they’re in. In 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that toddlers ride in rear-facing seats until they are 2 years old or reach the height and weight limit for the seat.