㽶Ƶֱ

Skip to content

Most B.C. parents don㽶Ƶֱt know if their kids㽶Ƶֱ carseats are safe: BCAA

Association㽶Ƶֱs research suggests only one-quarter get their carseats checked by an expert
web1_170223-M-Car-seat

More than 50 per cent of B.C. parents aren㽶Ƶֱt checking regularly that their kids㽶Ƶֱ carseats are installed properly, according to a BCAA study released Thursday.

The report suggests two-thirds of parents install their carseats themselves and only one-quarter get them checked by a certified expert.

Parents should be regularly checking the carseat position and condition with the wiggle test:

  • Hold carseat at the belt path and give it a side-to-side wiggle. Carseat should not move sideways more than 2.5 cm.
  • Look for signs of wear and tear such as frayed harnesses, torn padding and cracks in the shell. Clean out everyday crumbs and dirt from around the straps and buckle.

According to BCAA, a correct carseat for the child㽶Ƶֱs age and size is crucial, but only 17 per cent of parents are sure their child㽶Ƶֱs seat is the right size.

While the association says second-hand seats can be used, it㽶Ƶֱs important that parents know the seats㽶Ƶֱ exact history. Even if it hasn㽶Ƶֱt been involved in a collision, it could have been recalled or have expired.

㽶ƵֱJust because it looks good doesn㽶Ƶֱt mean it㽶Ƶֱs safe,㽶Ƶֱ BCAA community impact senior manager Shawn Pettipas. 㽶ƵֱNot knowing the full history of a second-hand carseat means parents can㽶Ƶֱt be absolutely certain of the seat㽶Ƶֱs condition and this can put their kid at risk.㽶Ƶֱ

Despite that, the study suggests 29 per cent of parents with second-hand carseats admit that they don㽶Ƶֱt know their full history. Almost one-fifth of parents use them second-hand.

To make sure kids are properly secured, parents should:

  • Adjust harness straps to the correct height: Rear-facing (below child㽶Ƶֱs shoulders) or forward-facing (above the shoulders).
  • Fasten both harness strap latches (both have been clicked into the buckle).
  • Harness straps should be snug (only room for one finger or less between harness and child㽶Ƶֱs collarbone).
  • Chest clip should be positioned at the child㽶Ƶֱs armpit level.

To get more information or to find a carseat installation clinic, go to .



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

Read more



(or

㽶Ƶֱ

) document.head.appendChild(flippScript); window.flippxp = window.flippxp || {run: []}; window.flippxp.run.push(function() { window.flippxp.registerSlot("#flipp-ux-slot-ssdaw212", "Black Press Media Standard", 1281409, [312035]); }); }