The biggest myth around car seats is that once a child is a year old they can automatically graduate to a front-facing seat, primary care paramedic Shaun Parfitt says.

“It has to be for 22 pounds, one year of age and able to walk,” he said.

Humboldt and District Ambulance is marking Child Passenger Safety Week, which gives people the tools to keep their children safe while traveling.

“If they’re not in the seat that’s the right size, it can actually cause harm to the child in the case of a motor vehicle collision,” Parfitt said.

Rear-facing seats are for children up to 22 pounds, who are up to one year of age and not yet walking.

Forward-facing seats are for kids over 22 pounds, who are at least one year of age and are able to walk.

Being able to walk ensures kids have the proper muscle tone and strength for the seat.

The next step up is a booster seat for kids weighing at least 40 pounds. It’s illegal to transport a child under 40 pounds in a booster seat.

It’s also recommended to keep a child in a front-facing seat with a five-point harness as long as possible, he said.