It has been implied that there are new rules about how your child needs to be strapped in to your car.
In fact, the manufacturers of car seats have new rules about how they build the car seats.
Nothing so far has changed (in Ontario at least) regarding how a parent is required to strap their child in a car.
"The provincial car seat laws currently in place are not changing, but the rules regarding the manufacture of car seats have been revised. It’s important to note that parents do not need to replace their child’s current car seat, if it is in good condition and is designed for their child’s height and weight.
The Government of Canada has created new safety regulations for car seats and booster seats that will require manufacturers to make design changes, effective December 31, 2011."
-SafeKids Canada, Published: Thu, Jan 26, 2012
Read the safety information here: SafeKids Canada
Car seat laws vary by province. If you have questions about laws in your province, visit your provincial transportation web site.
In Ontario, for example, these are the current rules (taken from the Ministry of Transportation website):
How should an infant be secured?
Infants weighing under 9 kg (20 lbs.) are to travel properly secured in a rearward-facing child safety seat that meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
What is the proper way to secure a toddler?
Toddlers weighing 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lbs.) are to travel properly secured in a forward-facing child safety seat that complies with CMVSS and must be anchored to the vehicle using the tether strap (usually found on the back of the car seat).
When should I use a booster seat?
Children under the age of eight, who weigh 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs.), and who stand less than 145 cm (57 ins. or 4 ft. 9 ins.) must travel in a booster seat that meets the CMVSS.
When can a child start using a seatbelt alone?
A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:
- Child turns eight years old
- Child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs.)
- Child is 145 cm (57 ins. or 4 ft. 9 ins.) tall
As a guide, a seat belt may only be used if a child is able to sit with legs bent comfortably over the vehicle seat and with his or her back fully against the back of the vehicle seat. The shoulder belt must lie flat across the child's shoulder and chest, and should not cross over the child's neck. The lap portion of the belt should be positioned low over the hips, not the abdomen.
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