Health Link Alberta

On call around the clock
Call 780-408-LINK
or toll free
1-866-408-LINK (5465)

Cover of Your Health Magazine Fall 2008 Issue

Read the final edition of Your Health magazine.

This material is designed for information purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice and/or treatment. For more health information call Alberta Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Topic of the Month

March/April 2010

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY … DON'T SKIP A STEP!

Did you know… a booster seat raises a child up for a safer seat belt fit?

FACT: Using a booster seat makes the shoulder portion of the seat belt cross over the shoulder and chest, away from the vulnerable neck and face. It also keeps the lap portion of the seat belt safely in place over the hipbones and away from the abdomen. Without a booster seat, an adult seat belt rides too high on a child's belly and neck and can cause serious internal injuries in a crash.

Simply put, a booster seat allows a seat belt to fit over the strong, bony parts of a child-sized body.

FACT: A child is four times more likely to suffer a head injury in a crash when using just an adult seat belt than when buckled in a booster seat.

FACT: Using a booster seat until a child is at least 9 years of age OR 80 lb (36 kg) OR 4'9'' (145 cm) provides the safest ride.

Use a booster seat until your child is 4'9" (145 cm)
or 80 lb (36 kg) or 9 years of age.
www.boosterseats.ca

Information provided by Kidsafe Alberta, affiliated with the Stollery Children's Hospital - www.capitalhealth.ca/kidsafe

Information adapted from www.boosterseats.ca

More on Child Safety Seats ...

'Don't Skip A Step!' (PDF Poster)
'Let Smart Risk Show You To Your Seat!' (PDF Poster)
AB Transportation - Safe Roads - Child Safety Seats (website)
Transport Canada - Car Seats, Seat Belts and Your Child (website)
Safe Kids Canada- Child Passenger Safety (website)

View our archive listing of the Topic of the Month posters and info sheets ...

If you would like to receive our monthly e-mails with the latest 'Topic of the Month' poster and tipsheet please e-mail kidsafe@albertahealthservices.ca

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)

E-mail this page