Soon older children around the province will be required to be strapped into car or booster seats. That means many parents will be out shopping for one that fits their child. Consumerwatch reporter Karen Rocznik looks at what you need to know to keep your child safely stowed.
Christine Brouzes makes sure her six-year old son Sawyer is safely strapped into a booster seat.
By Aug. 8, parents of older children will also have to put them in booster seats when driving.
"From what I understand, other provinces and states have been requiring this for a while based on studies that (suggest booster seats) keep children safe, less injured and (contribute to fewer) fatalities,” said Brouzes.
Under the new law, children have to be at least 145 cm tall (four feet nine inches), 36kg (80 lbs) or nine-years-old in order to ride in a vehicle without a boost seat.
That means many parents with children under those requirements may be left scrambling to find the right fit for their child.
"The biggest thing you see is that the seat belt doesn't line up properly, so you want something that has a good neck guide so the belt," said Jennifer Laliberte from West Coast Kids in Winnipeg. "If there's an accident the child can actually submerge under the seat.”
Other points to consider when buying a booster: a high back booster will provide additional head and neck protection
Adjustable booster seats are great for taller kids as they provide higher head limits.
You should also never use a booster seat with only a lap belt.
West Coast Kids sells the boosters with backs and without. They range in price from $99 dollars to more than $300.
Other retailers sell seats from $60 and up.
Jennifer Laliberte says whatever the price look for the official Transport Canada sticker on the side or under the seat.
Also, she said to be wary of buying booster seats across the border.
"It's illegal to have a car seat from the U.S. in Canada people from the boarder can actually take it," says Laliberte
"They test their cars at different speeds so their regulations don't match and carry over to Canada," she said.
Christine Brouzes said her son's high-back booster offers her some peace of mind and more support for Sawyer.
"He's up higher and the belt crosses him at a more appropriate place,” she said.
If parents still aren't sure about the fit, they're welcome to bring their car seat and their child to one of seven fire stations around the city.
The Manitoba Government says when buying a booster or car seat second-hand, be sure it complies with Transport Canada safety regulations.
Health Canada recently changed its regulations Jan.1, 2012. The agency advises against buying boosters or car seats manufactured before then.
