Keeping kids safe in car seats
United Way works to make sure that kids grow up great. For the past 11 years BCAA, has donated over 14,000 new child car seats to families in need across B.C. through the Community Child Car Seat Program, in partnership with United Way British Columbia.
United Way BC works to make sure that kids grow up great. Since 2013 BCAA has donated over 14,000 new child car seats to families in need across BC through the Community Child Car Seat Program, in partnership with United Way British Columbia.
BCAA’s child car seat website, bcaa.com/carseatsafety offers a wealth of car seat information including how-to videos, fact sheets and printable checklists to help parents and caregivers use child car seats and booster seats correctly. BCAA’s key tips for child car seat safety include:
- Use the correct child car seat for the child’s age and size. Take note of weight and height limits for child car seats.
- Ensure proper installation. Read vehicle and child car seat manuals before using the child car seat. Proper installation includes the child car seat being placed on an appropriate vehicle seat, positioned correctly and properly secured.
- Find a car seat clinic or BCAA Child Passenger Safety Educator in your area. Parents and caregivers can attend instructional clinics to learn more and receive hands-on installation education. For questions, contact BCAA’s Child Passenger Safety information line at 1-877-247-5551 or email: roadsafety@bcaa.com.
- Ensure your child is properly placed and secured in the car seat.
- a) Adjust harness straps to the correct height: Rear-facing (below child’s shoulders) or forward-facing (above child’s shoulders)
- b) Both harness strap latches have been clicked into the buckle.
- c) Harness straps are snug (only one finger fits between the harness straps and child’s collarbone, if you can pinch a fold in the harness straps they are too loose).
- d) Chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit level.
- Regularly check car seat position and condition.
- a) Wiggle test: Hold the car seat at the belt path and give it a side-to-side wiggle. Car seat should not move sideways more than 2.5 cm (1 inch).
- b) Look for signs of wear and tear such as frayed harnesses, torn padding, cracks in the shell. Clean out any crumbs and dirt from around the straps and buckle.
- If a second-hand car seat must be used, be absolutely certain of its full history. Ensure the seat hasn’t been involved in any collision or reached its expiry date. Check the car seat for any safety recalls and review this helpful checklist.
As of 2024, the BCAA Community Child Car Seat Program has concluded.