Car Seats

A car seat is an essential item that your baby will need whenever they travel in a car, even for their first trip home from the hospital (if the baby is born or receives care there).The Ontario Ministry of Health has step-by-step tips on how to install your baby's car seat. The law requires that infant car seats face the rear of a vehicle away from an active airbag, and rest at a 45-degree angle. A rear-facing car seat is designed to support your baby's developing neck and back muscles and offers better protection. Infant height and weight restrictions vary for different car seats so always follow the manufacturer's specifications carefully to be sure.

Every vehicle and child car seat is different so make sure to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and car seat manufacturer's manual for the appropriate instructions on how to install and use your car seat. If you are still unsure of how to install your seat, you can contact your local Public Health Unit, Police Force, or St. John Ambulance as they often offer free inspections.

For more information on car seats, including instructions and videos on how to install them, how to choose the right one for your baby, and your legal obligations, please see the resources below.

• Ministry of Transportation - Tips on choosing the right child car seat
• Canadian Paediatric Society - Car seat safety tips
• Parachute Canada - Car seat considerations
• Government of Canada - Child Car Seat Safety
• Check with your local public health unit for location of car seat clinics in your area