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Parenting a toddler can be both challenging and rewarding. We have practical tips on toddler behavior , basic care and bedtime routines. Keep informed with our health, safety and development  tips. Need ideas for ways to play with your toddler? We have made it easy with our toys and activity suggestions.
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Car Seats - toddler
Now that you've left babyhood behind and will now be traveling with a toddler here's a quick guide.


Traveling in the car with a toddler is often not for the faint-hearted.  Not very many toddlers actually enjoy being restrained! Bring along some novel toys and music in the car to make it a more pleasant experience. Keep a small toy box in the car and change the contents frequently to prevent boredom. To travel safely with a toddler check out the hints below. A toddler (older than age 1 and more than 20 pounds) can travel in a:

Convertible seat or a forward -facing only seat


  • The Convertible design simply means it can be installed rear-facing then when appropriate can be installed in the forward- facing position.
  • Forward-facing only means just that it can only be installed forward-facing
  • When child restraint is forward-facing- Place harness through the slots so they are even with or above the child’s shoulders. Some seats require use of the top slots when the seat is forward-facing, so check instructions.
  • Be sure the harness is tight, so you can’t pinch extra webbing at the shoulders.
  • Adjust the chest clip/retainer clip to armpit level
  • The forward-facing model is designed for children who weigh up to an average of 40 pounds. Always check your instructions as some models can differ

Combination forward facing/booster seat


  • The combination forward-facing/booster seats offer several options.
  • Firstly, the combination forward-facing option with internal harness is for children who on average weigh up to 40 pounds (some models can differ) and it is to be used with the harness.
  • Secondly, when your child is mature enough and has reached the weight limit on the internal harness, the child restraint can be used as a booster seat without the harness for children who weigh up an average of 80 pounds or more (some models can differ).
  • READ instructions closely

Safety Tips


  • Best Protection - Choose one with a five-point harness system. This system has straps for the thighs, two over the shoulder straps, and a crotch strap.
  • Best Practice -The longer a child can stay in a seat with an internal harness the safer they are. Pay special attention to the weight limits on your seat.
  • When choosing a child restraint make sure you purchase one that fits your child's (age, height, weight and special needs) and one that fits your vehicle before purchasing.
  • A child is too big for the seat when the shoulders are above the top slots, the tops of the ears are above the back of the seat or the weight limit is exceeded. Move to a taller child restraint or a booster seat. Many children will outgrow the harness of a forward-facing car seat at age 4 or 5
  • Never let your toddler buckle themselves in. You need to do this to make sure that they are properly strapped in at all times.
  • All children 13 years and younger need to be in the back seat of a car.   

Hints for a successful installation


  • Always read the owners manual and the accompanying instructions BEFORE installing. Make sure you follow all the steps.
  • Allow at least 30 minutes to correctly install a car seat. Grab a friend to help out!
  • After installing the car seat check that it's securely in place by grabbing the child restraint at the safety belt or LATCH path to test it. Your child restraint should not move more then 1 inch side to side and front to back. If it does you'll need to re-adjust and check it again.
  • It's a good idea to check the seat whenever your child is using it. It only takes a few seconds and considering it's your toddler's safety at risk. It's time well spent.
Safe travels!

Related Tips

  • Car seats - newborn
  • In our mobile society most babies are on the move. Here are some tips to make sure your baby is safe.
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