Little Seat Secrets

12/17/2025

12/15/2025

Pictured was my 5.5yr old safely, and comfortably, rear facing.

Rear-facing car seats are safer for children because they better support a child’s head, neck, and spine in a crash. Here’s why:

1. Protects the Head and Neck:
A child’s head is disproportionately large compared to their body, and their neck muscles are not fully developed. In a forward-facing seat during a crash, the head is thrown forward, putting immense strain on the neck and spinal cord. Rear-facing seats spread crash forces across the entire back of the child, minimizing the risk of severe injuries.

2. Crash Force Distribution:
Rear-facing car seats cradle the child and distribute crash forces evenly across the strongest parts of their body - the back, shoulders, and hips - rather than concentrating those forces on weaker areas like the neck.

3. Spinal Protection:
In a collision, rear-facing seats reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries. The seat absorbs much of the impact, keeping the spine aligned and preventing overextension.

4. Meets Developmental Needs:
Young children have soft, developing bones and a higher ratio of cartilage in their spine. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection while their bodies grow stronger.

It is recommended to keep children rear-facing as long as possible, at least until they outgrow the height or weight limits of their seat.

We need to always keep in mind that kids come in all different shapes and sizes.
A child might max out rearfacing at 2 or 3.
A child might max out rearfacing at 5 or 6.
Maybe you have a petite child and your goal isn't to rearface until 5. And that's also okay.

Always keep in mind the scale of good, better, best.
Good is rearfacing until the minimum of 2 years old.
Best is maxing it out.
Better is anywhere in between!

What we chose can differ based on many factors. One thing is always true; we want to keep our children safe.

Myth busting:
Leg injuries are NOT a worry when positioned like this. Remember that the whole seat bounces down in a collision, and their legs will froggy up.
Statistically, leg injuries are more common when forward facing, because they get thrown into the seat in front.
Your child can position them any way they feel comfortable.

12/12/2025

Aftermarket items are not safe!

12/10/2025

Head injuries are a real risk when sledding, especially at high speeds or on hills with obstacles like trees and rocks. A helmet provides critical protection against traumatic brain injuries in the event of a fall or colision. Prioritize safety and always wear a helmet while sledding

12/09/2025

I think it's a good time for a reminder about the dangers of using AI. This goes for any program or the overviews on search engines.

They. Aren't. Right.
👏

AI can be a fun tool in many ways, but don't get nuanced, changing, safety information from it.

12/07/2025

12/05/2025

While it's not recommended to purchase a previously used car seat, I want to keep it real.
it happens.
so let us make sure it's happening 'more' safely.

12/02/2025

This training is certification through SAFE KIDS Worldwide. It will be offered in Ottawa On Feb 5/6/7th 2026. Attendance is required all 3 days.

Click on this link:
https://portalskcms.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/secure/manage?webid=SKCMS&pToolCode=COURSE-SEARCH&pAdd=Yes

Scroll Down to where it says “courses in your area”
Type in the ‘Available Active Courses’ in the ‘state’ box, that the course is in ONTARIO and then search. The upcoming February 2026 course in Ottawa will pop up.
Click on “Details”
Then scroll to the bottom and click on “Confirm and Pay”.
The cost is currently only $95.00 USD (130CAD)! That’s an AMAZING PRICE.

I am co-teaching this course. Come on out!!

11/27/2025

Uneven straps? Try this!