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Choosing the right car seat can be difficult. Below are a few suggestions to keep in mind when you are picking a car seat for your child.
With most examples, there is a short video and PDF pamphlet from the Infant & Toddler Safety Association.
Online Video
Overview
PDF Pamphlet
| Birth to 10 kg (20lbs) |
| Infant Car Seat |
Height Restrictions
66 to 76cm (26 - 30in)
Infants must always face the rear of the vehicle. In the rear-facing position, the force of a crash or sudden stop is spread across the
baby's body, and absorbed into the back of the car seat. |
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Choose the Right Seat
Baby's First Seat |
| 13.6 - 18kg (30 - 40lbs) |
| Convertible and 3-Stage car seats: Rear facing |
It is important that the baby is not too big for the seat. When rear-facing, if the lowest harness slot on a Convertible or 3-Stage seat is above
the infant's shoulders, the seat should not be used.
It is safer for a child to remain rear-facing as long as possible, up to the car seat's maximum weight or until the top of the child's head is
within 2.5 cm (1 in.) of the top of the seat.
Minimally, a child should be 1 year old, able to walk unassisted, AND weigh at least 10 kg (22 lb.)
before being turned forward.
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How to Install
Pamphlet |
| At least one year old and at least 9kg (20lbs) |
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Convertible and 3-Stage car seats: Forward - Facing
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Height Restrictions
101-128.5 cm (40-51 in)
To prevent the car seat from moving forward and causing injury in a collision, it is important to use the tether strap exactly as the manufacturer
recommends. If your vehicle does not have a tether anchor in place, contact a dealership to have one installed.
To install a forward-facing car seat, fasten the tether strap, then use your body weight to tighten and fasten the seatbelt or Universal Anchorage
System (UAS) strap.
Ensure that the shoulder straps are at or above the child's shoulders. Straps should be snug, with only one finger width between the strap and the
child's chest. Avoid using aftermarket car seat products.
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How to Install
Pamphlet |
| At least 18kg (40lbs) |
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Booster Seat
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Height Restrictions
Less than 145cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
A booster seat raises the child so that the adult seat belt can be positioned correctly over the child's body. Until 9-10 years of age, many bones
(specifically the pelvis) are underdeveloped, making it difficult to position a seat belt correctly; a booster seat aids in this by raising the
child to the appropriate level.
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How to Install
Pamphlet |
| At least 8 years old / 36kg (80lbs) |
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Seat Belt
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Height Restrictions
Child is 145cm (4 feet 9 inches)
Once your child can sit all the way against the vehicle seat back with legs bent comfortably over the edge of the seat, and with the shoulder belt
flat across the shoulder and chest, he or she is ready to move from the booster seat to the vehicle seatbelt.
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