Child Passenger Safety Week 2026

September 20-26, 2026

How will you participate?

Every year, Child Safety Link and our partners across Atlantic Canada recognize Child Passenger Safety Week by sharing information, resources, and support to help families transport their children safely.

This year’s theme, Safe from the Start, focuses on helping families prepare for their baby’s first ride - and every ride after. Throughout the week, we will highlight resources, education, and community support for families and caregivers.

Five things to Remember:

1. Choose a safe seat that fits your baby

Choose a rear-facing car seat that is approved for use in Canada, fits your baby and vehicle, and has not expired.

2. Install the seat before baby arrives

Install the seat tightly in the back seat. The seat should be installed at the most reclined angle allowed for your newborn so that their head does not tilt forward and close their airway.

3. Buckle baby snugly every time

Buckle all parts of the harness. Remove any looseness at the hips and tighten the harness until you cannot pinch any slack at the shoulder. Position the chest clip at armpit level.

4. Use the car seat for travel

A car seat is designed to protect your baby while travelling in a vehicle. A car seat is not a safe sleep space for unsupervised sleep outside of the vehicle. Always take your baby out of the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

5. Know when and where to ask for help - and what comes next

When the infant seat is outgrown, move to a larger, rear-facing seat. Your child is safest riding rear facing for as long as they still fit within the limits of their larger, rear-facing seat.

Trusted information and trained support are available. Call Child Safety Link toll-free in Atlantic Canada at 1-866-288-1388 or email childsafetylink@iwk.nshealth.ca.

Child Safety Link and our community partners can help families find reliable information and learn how to choose and use the right seat safely.

Community partners and activities

Any activity that promotes child passenger safety is welcome and celebrated during Child Passenger Safety Week - and throughout the entire month of September.

As always, we will direct families to where they can find help through the support of community partners. Together we can support families to choose the right seat and use it safely.

Enter your Activity to Win:
English Contest Guide / French Contest Guide

Planning Resources:

I support parents and families. What can I do?

Offer to attend a prenatal class or parent group to answer questions – in person or virtually!
email Child Safety Link for presentation templates.
Consider offering a booster seat presentation at your local school.
Plan a car seat check in your community.
Plan a screening of the The Right Seat” video and answer questions.
Order print resources or posters to distribute to families or display in your community.

Tell us about your planned activity or event to be entered in a draw for one of 3 prizes:
a new car seat or booster seat for a family in your community, a Latch manual or a $50 gift card.

Share your ideas, questions and progress with others in our Community of Practice: The Link

Child Passenger Safety Week social media guide:

Community leaders and partners who use social media tools can share independently or directly from Child Safety Link’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Use Hashtags: #KidsInTheRightSeat #CPSWeek2026

Or in French: #LeBonSiège #SemaineSEPCanada

Sharable images and messages
On or before Sept 18, 2026 Download PNG file: Facebook Next week is Child Passenger Safety Week! Follow us for tips, checklists, videos, and more to help keep your child riding safe in #TheRightSeat. #CPSWeek2026 #CPSWeekCanada #TheRightSeat
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At any time after Sept 21, 2026 Download PNG file: Facebook It's Child Passenger Safety Week! Always buckle your child in the right car seat on every ride, even in a taxi. #CPSWeek2026 #CPSWeekCanada #TheRightSeat
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Download PNG file: Facebook It's Child Passenger Safety Week! Most crashes happen close to home. Make sure your child is safely buckled every time - no matter how short the trip. #CPSWeek2026 #CPSWeekCanada #TheRightSeat
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Download PNG file: Facebook It's Child Passenger Safety Week! Car seats save lives. Always buckle your child in the right car seat on every ride. #CPSWeek2026 #CPSWeekCanada #TheRightSeat
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Download PNG file: Facebook It's Child Passenger Safety Week! Give your big kid a boost! Make sure your big kid uses their booster seat on every ride. #CPSWeek2026 #CPSWeekCanada #TheRightSeat
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Download PNG file: Facebook It's Child Passenger Safety Week! A collision can happen anywhere, at anytime, to anyone. Make sure every child is safely buckled on every ride. #CPSWeek2026 #CPSWeekCanada #TheRightSeat
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Do you have questions or need support?

View the Child Safety Link resources for families including videos, a stages postcard, and tear-off sheets for each stage.
– Order print versions of these resources for free within the Atlantic provinces.

If you need advice, resources or have questions please feel free to contact our Health Promotion Specialist for Child Passenger Safety, Katherine Hutka at katherine.hutka@iwk.nshealth.ca or by calling (902) 470-7324 or toll free in Atlantic Canada 1-866-288-1388.

Additional resources

Let the world know about how your organization is recognizing Child Passenger Safety Week with the CPSW 2022 Media Release Template for Partners (please change the dates for 2026 - this was a 2022 resource)

Child Safety Link would like to thank the Insurance Bureau of Canada for their invaluable support in helping spread this important safety information to Atlantic Canadian families.