| Introduction We are trying to collect and consolidate information that is of use to
people who use
- Child Safety Seats - Car Seats -
- Child Safety Restraints -
- Infant Carriers -
- what every you call them -
(and we've heard them called lots of things)
What follows is a collection of information, thoughts, ideas
and suggestions. We hope it helps.
Child safety seats come in all makes, models, sizes and shapes.
So do infant, toddlers and children. So do cars. Therefore there is no one single right
answer that works for everyone.
Laws vary from one country to another. They are often different
from one province to another or from state to state. Find out what is the law for where
you live.
There is always information available and there are
professionals to help you understand the information. As a parent or caregivers you are
responsible for knowing the law and ensuring your child is buckled up safely.
When in doubt, find a local resource and ask for help.
- Public Health Office
- Local Automobile Association
- Safe Kids (Canada and United States)
- Child Safety Associations
- Local police departments, Traffic Divisions
- Local government, Department of Transportation
We will start a resource list with
phone numbers as time and information permits. If you know of a concise list for any of
the above for Canada or the United States, please let us know. email laurie@snuglbuds.com
We will also start a picture
file, note some are copyright protected.
As much as possible our information applies to Canada and the
United States. Where there is a difference between the countries, we have noted it.
We have links to sites in both countries. Here is some information and guidelines that
make sense for everyone. Some are from the United States and some are from Canada. (source
is indicated) If you have other websites that should be included, please let us know.
email laurie@snuglbuds.com
Child safety seats are tested and approved for use in the
country they will be used in.
Example: Child safety seats purchased outside
of Canada are not legal for use in Canada. The same applies to the United States.
Check to make sure your seat is approved for the country it
will be used in. For Canada and the United States, look for the sticker on the side of the
car seat:
- In Canada look for CMVSS.
Meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS 213, 213.1 through 213.5)
- In the United States look for FMVSS.
Meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- In other countries check with:
- Governments - Dept. of Transportation
- Local/National Automobile Associations
- Child Safety Associations
Child Safety
Seat Compatibility (U.S. NHTSA)
good information on types of problems matching child safety seats and cars.
This is a U.S. site with information that is quite relevant for Canada. Tether
anchorage is included. See Resources for other NHTSA
sites.
Buying a Child Safety Seat can be confusing
given:
- the variety of child safety seats available
- the different types/styles of harness systems
- the types of automobile seats and seat belt systems
The best child safety seat is the one that:
- best fits your child's weight and height.
- is easy for you to use correctly each and every time.
- fits properly into your car.
Types of child safety seats:
- Infant Carriers (rear facing only) for infants
up to the weight/height specified by the manufacturer. Usually 20 pounds and 26
inches. Check the manufacturer's instructions.
- Convertible Seats (rear facing and forward
facing positions) Weight and height is specified by the manufacturer for both
positions. Rear facing is usually from 5 to 20 pounds and then Forward facing from 20 to
40 pounds. Some seats have greater ranges for both positions. Check them carefully.
- Booster Seats (forward facing, low or high
back) Although not always required by law they help position the seat belts for children.
Manufacturer will specify weight and height restrictions and what type of seat belt is
required. Check the seat belt requirements and routing carefully.
- Combination Seats (child safety seat/booster
seat)
Forward facing only. The manufacturer will specify the minimum and maximum weight and
height restrictions.
Types of harness systems:
- Three point harness - a system of straps with three anchor
points. One between the legs and above both shoulders. Found on infant carriers.
- Sometimes referred to as a five point because the overall length
of harness strap is so short.
- Usually requires a chest clip.
- All straps must be smooth and flat.
- Ease of harness adjustment may vary.
- Five point harness - a system of straps that has five anchor
points. One between the legs, on both sides of the hips and above both shoulders.
- A true racing harness.
- Usually requires a chest clip.
- Requires a little more time to do up.
- All straps must be smooth and flat.
- Ease of harness adjustment may vary.
- Found on convertible and combination seats.
- Overhead/Abdominal Shield - a harness system that has an
overhead bar that pulls down over the child's head and positions in front of the abdomen.
Buckles between the legs.
- Usually requires a chest clip.
- Usually has harness adjustment at the front.
- Kind of like a tray for the child to play on.
- Some children do not like to duck their heads under as they get
taller.
- T Shield - a harness system that has a molded shield (shaped
like a T) attached to the harness straps. Shield and strap pull over the child's head. The
buckle is at the bottom of the shield and fits between the child's legs.
- Usually requires a chest clip.
- Usually has harness adjustment at the front.
- Some boys do not like the pressure between their legs.
- Easy for parents to do up.
Buying a second-hand child safety seat is not recommended.
From the time your child is born, place them properly in a
child safety seat. Make the first and every ride a safe one. Set a good example by
buckling up yourself for every ride.
Questions to ask when buying a child safety seat
Is this child safety seat approved by CMVSS for use in Canada,
or FMVSS for use in the United States?
Has the child safety seat been recalled?
- Call your local Automobile Association, Public Health
Office or Department of Transportation for a current list. Or call the manufacturer.
Will the child safety seat fit in my vehicle?
- Review your vehicle requirements and ask to try the seat
in the car before you buy.
Is the child safety seat the right one for my child?
Child safety seats fit differently.
- Look at the different types and styles available from
each manufacturer.
- Choose a seat you like and is easy for you to use. You
will use it a lot. Try doing it up from different angles, you will be bending and twisting
with the real thing in the back seat.
- Place your child or a doll to see if the harness is easy
to use and comfortable for your child.
- Check your child's weight and height and be sure they
fit within the manufacturers requirements for that seat.
When should we buy our child safety seat?
- We suggest you wait as long as possible. Buying a convertible
seat early on may not be the seat a small or premature infant needs. Or you may find the
small infant carrier is used for a very short time if the infant is very big at birth.
- Window shop and know which ones you like best.
- Make your purchase based on your baby's needs.
We hope this information is of some help. We have lots more to
add and will as time permits. If you have ideas or suggestions, please send them our way.
We thank you for your interest and patience
while
we learn how to use the internet.
For support and positioning problems in car
seats, please see Travelbud, Special
Needs and Premature.
Laurie
Mother of Two Buds
laurie@snuglbuds.com
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