Stage 1: Rear-Facing Car Seat
What is a rear-facing car seat?
It is a car seat used to transport an infant up to 9/10 kg (20/22 lb) and 66-71 cm (26-28 inches). It is used only in the rear-facing position. Some infant/child seats can be used in the rear-facing position up to 16 kg (35 lb). Check manufacturer's instructions.
There are two steps in using a rear-facing car seat:
1. Correctly install the seat in the vehicle.
- Never put the car seat in front of an air bag.
- Install the seat in the centre of the back seat for maximum safety.
- Keep the carrying handle in the down position when in the vehicle.
- Ensure 80% of the car seat base is touching the vehicle seat.
- Position the car seat at 45º to the vehicle seat.
- Ensure that the vehicle seat belt is routed correctly and that the rear-facing car seat is fastened tightly, with no more than one inch movement from side to side where the seat belt fastens.
2. Correctly harness the child in the seat.
- Place baby's bottom and back against the back of the seat.
- Position harness straps at shoulder level or slightly below.
- Ensure harness straps are flat with no twisting and with no more than one finger space between the collarbone and the harness.
- Fasten chest clip (if supplied by manufacturer) at armpit level.
- Always harness the baby when in the seat, even when not being used in a car.
- Double-back all harness straps that go through a strapslide.
Important points to remember
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- Obey the law in Ontario and use a car seat for children up to 18 kg (40 lb). The fine for not doing so is $110 and two demerit points.
- Protect the baby's neck and back from injuries in a sudden stop or crash by using a rear-facing infant seat. These seats are best suited for infants because their heads are large and heavy.
- You can switch to a forward-facing car seat when the baby is over 9.5 kg (20 lb) AND can pull up to a stand.
- Place towels or blankets under the car seat to get an approximate 45º angle between the car seat and the vehicle seat (never use something hard).
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace a car seat following a collision, regardless of whether it was occupied or not at the time of the collision.
- Look for the CMVSS label (Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard), and/or the National Safety Mark. A U.S. label is not acceptable.
- Do not use a head hugger sold seperatetly because it interferes with the positioning of the harness straps.
For information on car seat defects and recalls call Transport Canada at 1 800 333-0371, in Ottawa 613-998-8616.
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