Maternal-Child Services
at The Brantford General Hospital

CAR SEAT SAFETY

Picture of car seatYour baby's health and safety is our greatest concern. In this section, you will find:

  • How to choose a safe car seat
  • When to bring your car seat to the hospital
  • How we can help you keep your baby safe on his first car ride

 

View the Car Seat Checklist here.

 

BEFORE YOUR BABY IS BORN…

  • Not all car seats fit all cars properly! Check with your vehicle's manufacturer before purchasing a car seat to determine the brand of car seat that is most suitable for your vehicle.
  • When you purchase a new car seat, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. They will tell you how to assemble your car seat, secure your infant in the car seat, and secure the car seat in your vehicle. Following the manufacturer's instructions is the best way to ensure that your infant is transported safely.

 

If your car seat is not new…

  • All labels on the car seat must be present. If there are no labels, do not purchase. The Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) label is usually found on the side, bottom, or back of the car seat.
  • The car seat must be less than ten years old. The date of manufacture is found on the car seat manufacturer's label with the manufacturer's expiry date.
  • Only buy a car seat from the original owner who can tell you the history of the car seat and where it has been stored (storage in very cold or hot areas can ruin the plastic shell).
  • The car seat MUST come with the manufacturer's instructions. This information is needed to correctly install and use the seat.
  • Do not use a car seat that has been in a crash, even if it looks okay. If the previous owner cannot tell you whether the car seat has ever been in a crash DO NOT PURCHASE.
  • Check the instructions to ensure that ALL parts of the car seat are included.
  • Check the condition of the car seat. Look for:
  • Cracks, chips, white or gray patches, or lines in the plastic shell
  • Warping, rust, or broken rivets in the metal frame.
  • Cuts, frayed edges or broken stitches in the harness or tether straps
  • Tears in the padding
  • Try the seat in your vehicle to ensure that it fits properly, according to the car seat instructions and your vehicle's instructions. Not all car seats fit all vehicles!
  • Check for public recall notices. Find the make, model number, and date of manufacture label on the car seat and contact the manufacturer or Transport Canada 1-800-333-0371.

 

TALK TO AN EXPERT…

  • Before your baby is born, we recommend that you have an expert check that you are securing the car seat in your vehicle correctly.
  • Car Seat Clinics are regularly held at the Brant County Health Unit. A specially trained car seat expert will be pleased to check your car seat and assist you to make necessary changes. Contact (519) 753-4937 ext. 257 for further information.

AFTER YOUR BABY HAS BEEN BORN…

  • When you are ready to go home with your baby, bring your assembled car seat to the hospital. Your nurse will help you to go through the "One Minute Car Seat Checklist" so that you understand how to properly secure your infant in the car seat.
  • If you have not already visited a car seat clinic, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible after discharge of your infant home. Car seat experts will be pleased to check that the car seat is correctly secured in your vehicle. Contact the Brant County Health Unit at (519)753-4937 ext.257 to make an appointment.

This web page was compiled in part with information from: Transport Canada (www.tc.gc.ca/) American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) and the Infant & Toddler Safety Association