Let’s Go Together

CAA Atlantic

From road trips to roadside assistance, The Let’s Go Together Podcast is your destination for the stories, advice, and expert insights Atlantic Canadians care about most. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just want to stay informed, we’re here for the ride.

  1. Episode 1

    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 SafelyForward-Facing Seats & Top TetherBooster Seats & MaturityFront Seat SafetyWinter Coats & Car SeatsTrusted Resources & Getting HelpChapters:  00:00 – Why child passenger safety feels so overwhelming02:00 – Introducing guest expert Katherine Hootka04:30 – Newborns, leaving the hospital, and car seat angle basics07:25 – Harness tightness, chest clips, and infant inserts11:00 – Moving from bucket seat to rear-facing convertible13:20 – Why rear-facing longer is so much safer17:00 – Forward-facing, 5-point harness, and top tether use18:30 – When (and when NOT) to move to a booster seat23:10 – High-back vs. backless boosters24:30 – The 5-step test to get out of a booster28:15 – When can kids safely sit in the front seat?31:10 – Winter coats, snowsuits, and car seat safety34:00 – Where to find local help & trusted resources37:20 – What parents are getting right more than they realize40:45 – What gives Katherine the most hope43:50 – 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] CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/Instagram:   / caaatlantic  Facebook:   / caaatlantic  LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic  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.  IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

From road trips to roadside assistance, The Let’s Go Together Podcast is your destination for the stories, advice, and expert insights Atlantic Canadians care about most. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just want to stay informed, we’re here for the ride.