Is Your Car Seat Installed Correctly?

To properly install your seat please read both your child safety seat instruction booklet as well as your vehicle owner's manual.
The main function of a child safety seat/booster seat is to secure and restrain the body at the time of motor vehicle collision. This restraint prevents the body from being thrown around inside or thrown out of the vehicle.

Adult seatbelt systems do not provide adequate restraint for children, as they are far too big. An ill-fitting seatbelt may cause injuries due to improper placement of the lap and chest portions. Worse yet, an adult seatbelt system may fail to restrain your child at all at the time of collision.

Police officers are often asked, "What is the best child seat to buy?" The short answer is that the best child seat to buy is one that meets your needs, fits your vehicle, and that you will use properly every time.

  • Infant seats are used rear facing from birth to 9 kg (20 lbs.)
  • Infant seats are installed to support the spine and reduce the forward roll of the head.
  •  The harness straps are positioned at or below the baby?s shoulders and must always lie flat. Twisted straps may cause strain to the harness system and should be straightened out immediately.
  • The chest clip must be positioned at the armpit.
  • When your child is properly secured and the harness straps tightened you should not be able to fit more than one finger under the harness strap at the collarbone.
  • Many manufacturers of car seats place an expiry date on the seat. If the expiry date has past do not use the seat.

After your child has reached 9 kgs (20 lbs.) they can be turned to forward facing. However because children are still developing we suggest leaving the child rear facing as long as possible. Many 3 in 1 seats will allow children up to 13.6 kgs (30-lbs.) rear facing.

In the forward facing position the seat is secured by using the Universal Latch Restraint system (available in newer vehicles only), the vehicle seatbelt assembly and the top tether strap. The tether strap is secured to a tether strap hook installed behind the safety seat. Only one seat should be installed per tether strap hook. If you need more hooks have them installed by your vehicle manufacturer.

If you have an older model vehicle you may only have pre-drilled holes for the tether strap hook. Check with your car manufacturer to ensure your tether strap hook is installed properly.

When the car seat is installed forward facing, a five-point safety harness secures the child. The harness straps must sit at or above your child?s shoulder and the chest clip should sit at chest height.

When the harness is correctly tightened you should not be able to fit more than one finger under the harness strap at the collarbone.

The Kingston Police Service does not recommend any specific seat; however make certain that the seat you purchase bears the CMVSS label (Canadian Motor Vehicle safety Standards label). This label shows that the seat meets the Transport Canada Standards.
WE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE - OUR CHILDREN.