How to Correctly Install a Car Seat without Swearing
While they seem fairly straightforward, car seats can actually be more of a challenge to install than most people think. Learning how to correctly install a car seat is one of the many lessons that parents will face.
Hint: You should read the installation instructions
Rather than assuming your know how to do it (This is a call out to all fathers out there!) you can save yourself a lot of time, frustration, and swearing under your breath, by reading up on how to install a car seat properly.
So, let’s get started!
First, what type of car seat do you have?
If you can’t answer this question, this means that you didn’t read the instructions (Refer to Hint above).
The type of car seat you have comes with it's own set of installation instructions. Let’s take a look at tips for rear-facing and forward-facing car seats.
Rear-Facing Car Seat Installation Tips
- According to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, children are required to use a rear-facing car seat until the child weighs at least 9 kg or 20 lbs (minimum requirement). It is recommended that you keep your child in a rear-facing seat as long as possible. Use the car seat manufacturer’s weight or height limits as your guide.
- Put your car seat in the back seat of your car – make sure it is facing the rear window.
- Make sure the car seat is tightly secured. Once tightened, the car seat should move no more than 2.5 cm or 1 inch. Use your body weight, if necessary to make the seat as secure as possible.
- Check to make sure the car seat is in a properly reclining position – avoid tilting it more than 45 degrees.
- Ensure the harness strap (shoulder strap) sits at or slightly below your child’s shoulders and that you are not able to fit more than one finger underneath the strap at your child’s collarbone.
- The chest clip should sit on your child’s chest at armpit level.
- Check to make sure the car seat is secure each time you use it.
Front-Facing Car Seat Installation Tips
- Children weighing between 9 kg to 18 kg (20 to 40 lbs) are required to use a forward-facing child car seat according to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. It is recommended that you use the forward-facing car seat until they reach the car seat manufacturer’s weight or height limits.
- Place the car seat in the back seat of your car – facing forward and make sure the base of the car seat is flush with seat.
- Attach the car seat’s tether strap to the tether anchor to keep the seat in place.
- Fasten the seat tightly with the seat belt or UAS strap. Use your body weight if needed to ensure the seat moves no more the 2.5 cm or 1 inch.
- Ensure the harness strap (shoulder strap) sits at or slightly below your child’s shoulders and that you are not able to fit more than one finger underneath the strap at your child’s collarbone.
- The chest clip should sit on your child’s chest at armpit level.
- Check to make sure the car seat is secure each time you use it
How long did it take you to install your car seat correctly? How many swear words did it take?
We want to hear from you! Tell us about your car seat installation adventures. What part did you find most difficult? Were you about to install your car seat without any issues?
More Information
For more information about properly installing your car seat check out the Ministry of Transportation website and their page dedicated to Tips for Installing Child Car Seats.