CAR SAFETY
CAR SAFETY resources and tools that parents can find useful:
**Reputable Organizations:**
**National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)**
Offers a wealth of information on child car seat safety, recalls, and guidelines.
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov
**Safe Kids Worldwide**
Provides information on a variety of child safety topics, including car seat safety and safe transportation practices.
Website: https://www.safekids.org
**American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)**
Offers guidance on child passenger safety and recommendations for car seat usage based on a child’s age and size.
Website: https://www.healthychildren.org
**Educational Materials:**
**Car Seat Guide by NHTSA**
This guide provides information on choosing the right car seat, installing it correctly, and using it safely.
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats
**Car Seat Safety Videos by Safe Kids Worldwide**
A collection of informative videos on topics like proper installation, transitioning between car seats, and more.
**Child Safety Products:**
**Britax**
A well-known brand for child car seats and strollers, known for their safety features and innovative designs.
**Graco**
Offers a range of car seats and booster seats suitable for different ages, along with travel systems and strollers.
**Chicco**
Provides a variety of child car seats designed with safety and comfort in mind, along with other baby gear.
**Diono**
Offers a range of car seats and booster seats with various safety features, including innovative side-impact protection.
**Government Resources:**
**Child Car Seats by Transport Canada**
Information on choosing and using child car seats, including regulations and safety guidelines in Canada.
Website: https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/child-car-seats
**Child Passenger Safety by CDC**
Information on car seat recommendations, installation tips, and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childpassenger/index.html
**Printable Car Safety Checklist:**
**Child Car Safety Checklist**
basic car safety checklist that parents can download and use as a reference:
**Selecting the Right Car Seat:**
Choose a car seat appropriate for your child's age, weight, and height. - Follow manufacturer guidelines for compatibility with your vehicle.
**Proper Installation:**
Read both your car seat and vehicle manuals for installation instructions. - Use either the LATCH system or seat belt to secure the car seat, but not both. - Make sure the car seat doesn't move more than an inch in any direction.
**Positioning:**
Rear-facing seats: Place in the back seat, preferably in the center. - Forward-facing seats: Use the back seat and secure the seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
**Secure Straps and Buckles:**
Make sure harness straps lie flat and are not twisted. - Tighten the harness until you can't pinch any excess webbing.
**Chest Clip Positioning:**
The chest clip should be at armpit level, not too high or too low.
**Harness Height:**
Adjust the harness height as your child grows to keep it at or just above their shoulders.
**Transitioning Car Seats:**
Follow manufacturer guidelines to determine when to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing and later to a booster seat.
**Booster Seats:**
Use a booster seat until your child is big enough to use a seat belt alone, usually around 4 feet 9 inches tall.
**Seat Belt Use:**
When transitioning to a seat belt, ensure it fits properly: the lap belt should lie across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt should lie across the chest.
**Seat Belt Safety:**
Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat. - Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt at all times.
**Avoid Distractions:**
Stay focused on driving and avoid distractions like texting or using the phone.
**Emergency Preparedness:**
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and emergency supplies in the car.
Remember !
This checklist is just a starting point. Always refer to your car seat and vehicle manuals for specific guidelines and instructions.