Photo: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1. DO take your car (and its manual) with you when buying a car seat, and try installing a demo seat to make sure it fits.
2. DO ensure there?s a National Safety Mark on the seat, which tells you it complies with Canadian standards.
3. DON’T cross-border shop for a car seat. Laws and safety standards are different in Canada and the US, and the use of car seats bought outside the country is prohibited in Canada.
4. DO think twice about a second-hand seat?it may have been in a car crash, or it could be expired or about to expire. Almost all car seat makers require you to replace your car seat or booster seat after any crash?even minor fender-benders.
5. DO register your seat with the manufacturer right after you purchase it so they can let you know about any recalls or issues. 6. DO find a local certified car seat technician, car seat clinic or St.?John Ambulance location and have your installation technique checked out. You have to be able to install your seats correctly every time, so learn from an expert.
7. DO make sure anyone who transports your kids follows the same safety rules?including grandma and grandpa.
8. DO use a thin receiving blanket, dish towel or brand-specific protective mat under your seat base if you?re worried about damaging your car?s upholstery.
9. DON?T use anything slippery, stiff or tacky, such as a plastic bag or shelf liner, between your car seat and vehicle seat?it could interfere wi...