What Every Parent Needs to Know about Car Seat Safety

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Katherine Hutka from the IWK’s Child Safety Link and president of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada to make car-seat safety feel a little less overwhelming.

From the first drive home with a newborn to rear-facing seats, five-point harnesses, boosters and the eventual move to an adult seat belt, Katherine explains what parents and caregivers need to know at every stage. She also addresses common mistakes involving installation angles, top tethers, winter coats and moving children into the front seat too soon.

Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s first journey, wondering whether your child is ready for a booster, or trying to keep up with changing guidance, this episode offers practical, trusted advice to help protect your most important passengers on every ride.

We cover car seat safety from the first ride home to the day your child graduates out of a booster:

• Newborn Stage: Leaving the Hospital Safely
• Forward-Facing Seats & Top Tether
• Booster Seats & Maturity
• Front Seat Safety
• Winter Coats & Car Seats
• Trusted Resources & Getting Help

Chapters: 

00:00 – Why child passenger safety feels so overwhelming
02:00 – Introducing guest expert Katherine Hootka
04:30 – Newborns, leaving the hospital, and car seat angle basics
07:25 – Harness tightness, chest clips, and infant inserts
11:00 – Moving from bucket seat to rear-facing convertible
13:20 – Why rear-facing longer is so much safer
17:00 – Forward-facing, 5-point harness, and top tether use
18:30 – When (and when NOT) to move to a booster seat
23:10 – High-back vs. backless boosters
24:30 – The 5-step test to get out of a booster
28:15 – When can kids safely sit in the front seat?
31:10 – Winter coats, snowsuits, and car seat safety
34:00 – Where to find local help & trusted resources
37:20 – What parents are getting right more than they realize
40:45 – What gives Katherine the most hope
43:50 – Final thoughts: never skipping the safety

• Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada: Caregiver resources, positions, Find‑a‑Tech map. [cpsac.org] 
• Child Safety Link: Stage‑by‑stage guides, booster & seat belt fit, winter wear tips, Atlantic travel notes. [childsafetylink.ca] 
• Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs: Practical tip sheets, top‑tether troubleshooting, travel with car seats. [vicarseattechs.com] 
• Recalls: Check CPSAC’s quick‑reference recall list and confirm with Transport Canada/manufacturers. [cpsac.org] 

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ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. 

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