Car Seat Safety - Alberta

Jason T
Apr 21, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Nov 20

Two photos of a teaching skeleton seated in a child car seat, demonstrating correct harness height and buckle placement for car seat safety instruction. Image used by Saving Grace Medical Academy to support pediatric first aid and car seat safety education. — Even our classroom skeleton can show how proper harness height and buckle placement help protect children during a collision.

Car Seat Safety: Protecting Infants and Children on the Road

As a nursing student, understanding car seat safety is an important part of pediatric injury prevention. Nurses are often trusted sources of guidance for families, especially new parents. Properly installed car seats save lives, yet studies consistently show that up to 90% of car seats are incorrectly installed or used improperly in Canada .

According to Transport Canada, correct use of a car seat reduces the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in the event of a crash . When nurses provide clear, evidence-based education on child passenger safety, they help reduce preventable injuries and deaths.

Why This Matters for Nursing Students

Patient Education Role: Nurses frequently counsel parents about newborn and child safety before discharge from hospitals and during community health visits.
Public Health Impact: Motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of death for Canadian children aged 1–9 .
Professional Knowledge: Understanding car seat guidelines enhances your ability to advocate for family safety in both clinical and community settings.

Infographic comparing rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, and booster seats with guidance on harness height, child fit, chest clip position, seat installation, and safety limits. Used by Saving Grace Medical Academy to support pediatric first aid and child passenger safety education. — A quick reference guide showing the key safety requirements for rear-facing seats, forward-facing harness seats, and booster seats to help parents and caregivers keep children safe at every stage.

Steps to Proper Car Seat Installation

Follow Manufacturer Instructions Always review both the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual. Each model has unique requirements.
Choose the Right Seat for Age, Weight & Height
- Rear-Facing Seats: Birth to at least age 2 (or until maximum height/weight is reached).
- Forward-Facing Seats: After outgrowing rear-facing, typically until 18–30 kg.
- Booster Seats: For children under 145 cm (4’9”) who still need seatbelt positioning support.
Securely Anchor the Seat Install using either the vehicle seatbelt or LATCH/UAS (Universal Anchorage System). The seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) side-to-side or front-to-back.
Proper Harness Positioning
- Rear-Facing: Harness at or below shoulders.
- Forward-Facing: Harness at or above shoulders.
- The chest clip should always be at armpit level, across the sternum.
Check Local Guidelines Each province and territory has specific regulations for car seat use. For example, in Alberta, children must remain in a car seat or booster until they are at least 6 years old or weigh 18 kg .

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