Most babies and children with special health care needs can safely use a standard car seat. Sometimes a child with a medical, physical, or behavioural need may require an adaptive car bed, car seat, booster seat, or vest to be safety transported.
Guidance Supporting the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Transport Canada has published guidance on safe seating choices for children with special health care needs: Transporting Infants and Children with Special Needs
Safe Ride News has prepared a resource on adaptive child restraints for infants, children, and youth with disabilities. It includes options that meet Canadian or U.S. safety standards and can help families and professionals explore solutions for individual transportation needs. Check each product’s limits and instructions for how it can be used safely. Adaptive CRs for Children with Disabilities – Safe Ride News
The U.S. National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs at Indiana University School of Medicine introduces adaptive restraints, with photos and links to manufacturers in this brochure. 2026-national-center-brochure-links
Explore some of the car seats and adaptive transportation devices available through the IWK’s distribution and loan program to support children’s safe travel at this link: https://childsafetylink.ca/iwkseats
We’re here to help
If your child cannot safely use a regular car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, you can reach out to your health care provider or contact us to discuss your options for an adaptive solution.
Feel free to contact us at 1-866-288-1388 or email childsafetylink@iwk.nshealth.ca
Support for clinicians and health care teams
Child Safety Link is proud to offer a two-day Safe Travel for All Children training course twice each year in the Maritime provinces. Please contact Katherine.hutka@iwk.nshealth.ca for more information on training dates and additional details.