by: News Canada
(NC)—Even the most informed parents make mistakes when installing child safety seats. According to a recent study by Transport Canada, eight out of 10 child safety seats are improperly installed. DaimlerChrysler Canada recognized the need to help parents properly install car seats and as a result has developed a free safety seat inspection service called Fit for a Kid®, that is open to any make or model of vehicle.
Keeping kids safe when you drive is a parent's primary concern. Here are some tips for choosing car safety seats properly. Please remember that the same child safety seat will not necessarily serve your child through all of their growing stages.
Top 10 child safety seat tips from Fit for a Kid®
1. For babies less than one year old and weighing less than 10 kg (22 lb.), the safest location is in rear-facing restraints in the back seat of the vehicle.
2. A child who is less than one year old and weighing more than 10 kg (22 lb.) should ride in a seat certified by Transport Canada for heavier babies and continue to ride rear-facing until one year old.
3. Children between the ages of one and four years and weighing at least 10 kg (22 lb.) should ride forward-facing until they reach 18 kg (40 lb.).
4. Children weighing more than 18 kg (40 lb.) should ride in booster seats until they are big enough to fit properly in a seat belt, which is approximately at nine years old and weighing more than 27 kg (60 lb.).
5. Never use old or used child safety seats, or seats that have been in a crash or are beyond the expiry date. If reusing a seat, make sure you have all the pieces (including instructions) and make sure the seat has been checked for recalls with Transport Canada.
6. Never place a child safety seat in front of a passenger air bag.
7. Be sure to read both the vehicle owner's manual and the instructions that come with the child safety seat.
8. Kids of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the back seat.
9. The "best" child safety seat is the one that correctly fits the child, fits the vehicle and is used correctly every time.
10. Do the right thing – always buckle up and make sure your passengers do too.
To schedule an appointment for a safety seat inspection with a participating Five Star Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep® retailer near you, call 1-866-FIT-4-A-KID or visit the Web site at www.fitforakid.ca
- News Canada