Bringing home baby

Positioning properly

Until your baby is one year old and 10 kg (22 pounds), he should ride in the back seat in a rear-facing safety seat, according Canada Safety Council. This keeps your eyes on the road, and protects him from airbags. Materials deteriorate with age and wear, so don't use a car seat that's more than 10 years old or one that's been in a collision.

Snug fit

Fasten the car seat firmly in the car so it is level and doesn't slide from side to side. Once it's installed, keep the car seat instructions handy - you'll need them later to adjust the seat as your baby grows. And remember to send in the registration card for your car seat, in case of a recall.

Making baby comfy

Not surprisingly, your brand-new baby will look tiny in his car seat. To keep his little head secure, use a special u-shaped pillow or put rolled towels on either side of his head. Set the shoulder straps at the lowest slot and put the straps over the shoulders, adjusting the harness so one finger fits between the baby's chest and the strap. The chest clip should be even with the child's armpits.

Check it out

Call your local transportation safety department to find where your car seat can be checked for proper installation. Some hospitals, fire stations and police departments also provide this service.

For more information on this topic, check our Q&A Section. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please feel free to Ask a Dietitian.

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