By this point, you’re well into the journey of car seat safety for your child. You’ve wrangled rear-facing and forward-facing car seats into the car and your child into those seats. Well done! We have just one final stage left to take on: the booster seat. So, what are the special considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to booster seats? Since they look different from other seats, how do they work? Where should you install them? When is your child ready to move into a booster seat? Today we’re going to talk about it all: everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and using a booster seat.

Key takeaways:

• Not all car seats fit all cars or kids. Some seats even fit differently between seats in one car, for example, the seat may be okay in the back middle seat, but not the seats on either side. Check out the fit in each of the seating positions to get the right fit.
• The lap and shoulder belts must be used every time with booster seats. Using lap belts only can cause severe abdominal injuries. Note: booster seats should not be used on airplanes for this reason. 
• In addition to finding the right fit, your child’s maturity is also key in choosing whether to move from a high-back booster seat to a low back booster seat or having your child ride in their booster seat in the front seat when needed.

Guests:
Alva Bourque, parent
Jayne Morrish, parent
Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada

For more information, visit parachute.ca.

Other sources of information:

Transport Canada – Child car seat safety

Child Safety Link – Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages.

Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada – Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.

Safe Beginnings – Safe Beginnings is a North American leader in baby and toddler safety courses, content and resources.

Car Seat Manufacturers – All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.