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When it comes to small children, no measure of safety is considered too much. That's why all across Canada there are stringent laws in place for driving with a child –and strict punishments for failure to obey these laws.
The laws are broken down into three categories, depending on the child's age and weight. They are as follows:
From the time your child is born until they weigh 16 kg., they must travel in a rear-facing safety seat. In order to comply with the law, the seat must adhere to the following:
Once the child reaches 9 kg, he or she is able to sit in a forward-facing seat. The following rules apply:
When a child reaches 18 kg., they may graduate to a booster seat, where they must remain until they reach 37 kg., although if the child reaches the age of 9 and still falls below the weight limit, they are allowed to graduate out of the booster seat.
The biggest thing to remember about placing your child in a booster seat is that the seat belt must be worn the same way it would if there were no booster seat: shoulder belt in front of the child –never behind, or under the arm, and the lap belt must sit low over the hips.
You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the installation and use of child safety seats. Be certain that you have the proper set of instructions for your specific make and model. Make sure that all the parts are included, and attached properly. And don't forget to check the expiration date on your seat –yes, they have expiration dates!
If you find yourself with questions, or you aren't 100% certain about something, most cities and towns offer local child safety seat installation classes and clinics to ensure safety. Having your child safely and comfortably in his or her seat can ensure a pleasant diving experience for all parties concerned.
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