Forward-facing Car Seat Installation

Forward-facing Car Seats: Take the test!

  • I have read the child safety seat manual for the exact installation instructions.
  • I have read my vehicle owner’s manual on how to install a child safety seat.
  • I never place my child’s seat in front of an airbag.
  • My child’s safety seat is Canadian-approved and has a CMVSS label.
  • My child’s weight and height are within the limits for his/her child safety seat.
  • My child’s seat is in the back seat of the vehicle.
  • My child’s safety seat is facing the front of the vehicle.

 

Securing the child safety seat: There are two systems that can be used to secure the child safety seat. Never use both!

  • I have a Universal Anchorage System (UAS/LATCH) in my vehicle.
  • I have checked the owner’s manual on how to use the UAS/LATCH locations in my vehicle.
  • I have connected the child safety seat to the UAS/LATCH anchors in my vehicle.
  • I have ensured there are no twists in the webbing.
  • I have pulled the UAS/LATCH belt tight.
  • The child’s safety seat moves less than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the bite of the vehicle’s seat.

 

Or:

  • I am using the seat belt to secure the child safety seat.
  • I have checked the owner’s manual on how to use a seat belt for a child safety seat in my vehicle.
  • The seat belt is routed through the specially marked path on the car seat and buckled up.
  • The seat belt is tight because I have put my knee in the child safety seat, pushed down and removed all the slack from the lap portion of the seat belt.
  • I have locked my vehicle’s belt retractor. If my vehicle does not have a locking retractor, I have used a locking clip.
  • I have tested the belt to see that it is “locked” in place.

 

The tether strap:

  • I have a tether anchor in my vehicle. If not, I have purchased one and had a vehicle dealership install it.
  • The top of the tether strap is hooked to the tether anchor in my vehicle according to the instructions and the tether strap is tight.
  • If there is a headrest on the seat that I am installing the child’s safety seat on, the tether passes underneath the headrest.
  • The child’s safety seat moves less than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the bite of the vehicle’s seat.

 

Harness straps:

  • The shoulder harness is threaded through the correct slot, according to the instructions.
  • The chest clip is positioned at the level of my child’s armpits.
  • The harness is snug when I pull on it. I can only fit one finger between the harness and my child’s collar bone.