The following items may be discussed at your appointment.

A brief summary is detailed below as a reminder/ refresher

  • Best practice is to aim for the limits of your seat for maximum safety
    • Rear face until at least age 2 but longer is better to ensure the spine is strong
    • Forward face until mature enough to sit properly in a booster
    • Booster until the adult seat belt fits, usually around 4’9″(57″) tall
  • When seat is outgrown
    • Check the limits of your car seat; once ANY limit is reached, it’s time to switch
    • Limits are typically weight and height, but check for other requirements
      • Rear-facing: 1″ space above the head
      • Forward-facing: straps above shoulders
      • Booster: head support up to the tips of the ears
  • Unregulated or aftermarket products
    • Do not use any products not provided with the car seat or approved by the car seat manufacturer
    • Aftermarket products include vehicle seat mats, strap covers, neck pillows, toys, “piddle” pads
  • Bulky clothing
    • Dress your child in thin, compressed layers like fleece. Keep them warm by using blankets over the harness once they’re buckled in
    • Bulky clothing like snowsuits or clothing that is not well-fitted may interfere with proper harnessing
  • Airbags
    • Do not install car seats in front of vehicle air bags – check your vehicle owner’s manual for information on restrictions
    • Children should only ride in the front after age 13/ puberty, when their bones have matured enough to handle the forces of a collision
  • Projectiles
    • Secure any loose items, or items that may become loose, in your vehicle as they may injure occupants during a collision
  • Unattended children
    • Do not leave your child in the vehicle unsupervised
  • Infant (“bucket”) car seats are for cars
    • Car seats are not safe sleep spaces. If used outside of the vehicle, they may not provide the appropriate recline for your child’s safe positioning whilst sleeping