Child Car Seats

Keeping Your Child Content in a Car Seat

When used correctly, car seats save lives and reduce injuries. Here are some tips on how to keep your child safe and happy as you travel.

Use a car seat from the start

Children who ride in car seats for every ride from the time they are born are more likely to stay in their seats when they are toddlers and preschoolers. Start the “buckle-up” habit early so children learn that car seats are an important part of any ride in a vehicle.

Be consistent

Buckle your child into the car seat correctly for every ride, no matter how short the trip.

Set an example

Buckle your seat belt every time you get into the vehicle. Parents are great role models. Children learn as much from what you do as from what you say.

Bring fun things for your child to do in the car

Have soft toys, activities, books, or music in the vehicle to keep your child busy. Change the toys often to keep your child's interest. Store them safely so they won't fly around and hit someone in case of a sudden stop or crash. You may have a few toys that your child plays with only in the car. This can make a car ride something your child looks forward to.

Make sure your child is comfortable

Dress your child so they will be snug and warm in the car seat. Use as few layers as possible between your child's body and the shoulder straps. Check that the straps are snug each time. A blanket or cover can be placed on top of your child once they are properly secured in the car seat. In the winter, use thin, warm layers like fleece or a light snowsuit. If using bulky or puffy winter clothing, compress the material to make sure that the harness system is tight.

Try riding in the back seat yourself. Is it too hot or too cold? You may want to use a sun shade for when the sun shines in the back or side windows. Some children are happier when their shoes and socks are off.

Encourage your child to look out the window

Car seats and booster seats lift children up so they can see out the window. Children like it when they can see what's going on. For infants, tape bright images in the vehicle to catch their eye. For older children, make it a game by playing “I Spy”.

“When will we get there?”

Exact answers such as “After lunch”, “When it gets dark”, or “When this tape (song, story) is over”, mean more to a child than “Soon”.

Be firm with your child

All children will try to get out of their car seats at one time or another. If this happens when you are driving, pull over to a safe spot and stop the vehicle. Tell your child that they need to stay in the car seat, then buckle them back in. The important thing is to stay calm and be kind, but stay firm. Your child will learn that the vehicle won't move unless everyone is buckled up.

When toddlers are learning to be more independent, they may try to get out of their car seats, just because they can. They are not trying to be bad, they are just trying out their new power to make things happen. Use the same strategy as above. You may have to repeat it several times.

Hint for parents

Keep a small book in the glove box, or a favourite book or activity on your smartphone for you to read or do while you are waiting in your safe spot off the road for your child to lose interest in struggling. It will help you stay calm as you out-wait your child and keep you from getting into a power struggle with them.

Travel hints for longer trips

Children can get bored or tired after spending a long time in the vehicle. If you are planning a longer road trip with young children:

Plan to stop the vehicle for breaks along the way. You'll have to make bathroom stops and diaper changes anyway. If the weather allows, get the kids out and enjoy some fresh air, snacks, and activities. Pack some toys, balls, or games to play with at your rest stop.
Think about using entertainment for inside the vehicle. Music, audiobooks, travel-sized games, movies, electronics, and other ideas can be great for keeping kids of all ages happy while on the road.
Think up travel games like “I Spy” or identifying and counting games (types of vehicles, licence plates, road signs, or flags) that can be fun on long trips.
Keep snacks like crackers, cereal, cheese, and fruit (fresh or dried) in the vehicle in easy-to-use containers. For drinks, bring some water and unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices.
Remember to secure everything when packing so things won't fly around and hit people in case of a sudden stop or crash.

Read your car seat or booster seat instruction book and your vehicle owner's manual to make sure you are using the seat properly. Make every ride a safe ride for everyone.

For more information on how to properly install and secure your child in a car seat or booster seat, take the rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seat YES Test.

If you still have questions call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: October 2, 2019

Author: Provincial Injury Prevention Program, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.