Air bags can kill kids

STAGE ONE (Infants, birth to 1 year)

Rear-facing car seat

Rear travel
• The safest place for your infant in this seat is in the rear seat of the vehicle in the centre position whenever possible.
• Make sure you have the proper size seat for your infant. Check weight manufacturer's weight recommendations.
• Be sure to install the seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Be sure to secure the seat tightly with no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) of give in any direction.
• If you do instal the seat beside a door, clear the area between the infant seat and the door of any objects (eg. toys, pillow, blankets, etc.).

Front travel
• NEVER put a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat without DEACTIVATING the air bags.
• Make sure the seat is adjusted to it's rearmost track position.
• Follow instructions for rear seat travel.

STAGE TWO (approximately 1-4-1/4 years)

Forward-facing car seat

Rear travel
• The safest place for your child in this seat is in the rear seat of the vehicle in the centre position whenever possible.
• Make sure you have the proper size seat for your child. Check weight manufacturer's weight recommendations.
• Be sure to install the seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Be sure to secure the seat tightly with no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) of give in any direction.
• If you do instal the seat beside a door, clear the area between the child seat and the door of any objects (eg. toys, pillow, blankets, etc.).

Front travel
• NEVER put a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat without DEACTIVATING the air bags.
• NEVER place a child seat in the front seat of a vehicle with out a tether anchorage location.
• Make sure the seat is adjusted to it's rearmost track position.
• Follow instructions for rear seat travel.

STAGE THREE (approximately 4-1/4-8 years)

Booster seat

Rear travel
• The safest place for a booster seat is in the rear seat of the vehicle.
• Make sure you have the proper size seat for your child. Check manufacturer's weight recommendations.
• Place booster seat away from air bags whenever possible. Install according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring your child is properly buckled in.
• If you do install the seat beside a door, clear the area between the child seat and the door of any objects (eg. toys, pillow, blankets, etc.).
• Check on your child's position often throughout the journey.

Front travel
• If you have no alternative but to place your child in the front seat make sure the seat is adjusted to it's rearmost track position.
• Follow instructions for rear seat travel.
• Remind your child during the ride to keep his head, arms and feet away from the door.

STAGE FOUR (approximately 8-12 years)

Seat belt

Rear travel
• The safest place for a child 12 or under is in the rear seat of the vehicle.
• Whenever possible place your child in a seat away from a side air bag. Make sure your child is properly buckled with the lap belt low over the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest (never place it behind the child or under her arm). Do not leave any slack in the belt.
• If you have no alternative but to put your child near an air bag fasten seat belt as above. Remind your child to sit up straight - no leaning on the door. Also, clear the area between the child and the door of any objects (eg. toys, pillow, blankets, etc.).
• Check on your child's position often throughout the journey.

Front travel
• NEVER let your child sit in the front seat without DEACTIVATING the air bags.
• If you have no alternative but to place your child in the front seat make sure the seat is adjusted to it's rearmost track position.
• Follow instructions for rear seat travel.

Tips for Travelling With Kids

• Provide activities (books, music, games, favourite soft toys, etc.);
• Provide interesting things for older kids to do (counting trucks, helping you to "navigate," etc.);
• Encourage comfort (proper clothing for the situation);
• Be straightforward with older children about safety — and about why the back of the car is the safest place for them to be.

For more information on child restraints and other road safety issues, check out the Transport Canada website or call their Information Centre at 1-800-333-0371 (998-8616 from the Ottawa area).