You can decrease the chance of your child being hurt or killed in collisions by making sure you are using your car seat and using it properly. The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit can help you with information on this important topic.
Putting your car seat in your car can be confusing. There are a lot straps, buckles and clips. The first step is always to look at the owner’s manual for the car seat. The owner’s manual for your vehicle has an entire section about installing car seats as well. Every make and model of car will be slightly different. If you need more help, visit Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit’s blog site where there are links to helpful information and videos about car seats.
The Health Unit provides free monthly clinics where trained technicians can answer your questions and help you put your car seat in properly. Often parents need to take the car seats in and out of multiple vehicles and it’s important to know how to do this. Limited appointments are available for these clinics so it is best not to leave it until the last-minute. Call 519-352-7270 ext. 2903 to make an appointment.
The Health Unit is also offering a community car seat safety clinic on Tuesday, April 15th at Victory Ford Lincoln (31 Richmond St. Chatham), from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no appointment necessary for this community clinic.
At this time of year with the end of winter coats and the beginning of wearing lighter jackets, parents often find the straps will need to be tightened. As children grow the seat’s straps may need to be moved to a higher slot to allow for the child’s increase in height. You may find your child has outgrown his car seat and it’s time for the next stage of seat. Infant seats, forward facing seats and booster seats, all have different height and weight recommendations. Be sure to check the car seat manual for these measurements.
