Viva Vitality: Child safety seats and protecting your precious cargo

By Andrea Klassen on September 27, 2019.

As we embark on the road with our families it is important to remember the precious cargo we have in our vehicles – our children. In September we highlight child passenger safety with National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 15 -21). Proper use of child safety seats reduce the likelihood of a child being injured or killed in a vehicle collision by as much as 75% and it is the law in Alberta that the driver must ensure all passengers under the age of 16 are buckled and secured correctly in the vehicle.

Rear-facing child safety seats are recommended for use until your child is two years of age. Rear-facing is the safest way for your child to travel; you may keep them rear-facing longer if your seat’s weight or height limit will allow it (some seats go up to 45 lbs or 44 inches tall, whatever is reached first). While your child is rear-facing, it is recommended that the harness straps are at or below shoulder level with the chest clip at arm-pit level.

The forward-facing seat should be used until your child is at least 40 lbs; some seats can be used up to 65 lbs or 57 inches tall. It is important that the seat has a five-point harness system and that the harness straps are at or above shoulder level with the chest clip at arm-pit level. The tether strap on the back at the top of the seat must be used to install the seat.

Once moving from a forward-facing seat, children are safest in a booster seat when riding in a vehicle. It is recommended you use a booster seat until your child is at least 80 lbs or is 9 years of age or four-foot-nine tall. Ensure your child is the proper size and weight before transitioning them to a seatbelt.

Things to remember about child safety seats:

Never place your child’s safety seat in front of an airbag.

Ensure your child safety seat has a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) label – the use of seats purchased in the United States is illegal in Canada.

Your safety seat must not move more than one inch in either direction once it is properly installed.

Never use bulky padding, blankets or clothing that will interfere with the internal harness system.

If a child safety seat has been in a collision it MUST be replaced immediately, even if your child was not in the seat in the collision.

It is not recommended to buy seats second-hand or at garage sales. There is uncertainty whether the seat has been in a collision or the seat has been stored properly.

Ensuring your child’s seat is properly installed and your child is secured in their seat will give you peace of mind when you embark on your next road trip, whether it is to pick the kids up from school or driving across the country, the proper use of child occupant restraints is imperative.

For questions about Child Safety Seats contact me at 403-388-6688 or andrea.klassen@ahs.ca

Andrea Klassen is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services, and can be reached by email at andrea.klassen@ahs.ca