Using the right child car seat is the best way to prevent serious injury or death to children in collisions.
Make sure that your child is buckled up right, whether it is in an infant car seat, child car seat, booster seat or with the seatbelt.
Legislation makes it mandatory for anyone transporting children to make sure children are property secure. This includes all caregivers, from babysitters to grandparents.
Infants: Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, infants must use a rear-facing car seat until they weigh at least 9 kg (20 lb.).
Toddlers: Under the Highway Traffic Act, children must use a forward-facing child car seat when they weigh between 9 kg and 18 kg (20 to 40 lb.).
Preschool to 8 years old: Booster seats raise children so adult seat belts protect them better. Booster seats protect children from serious injury 3 ½ times better than seat belts alone. You need to use a booster seat if your child:
- Is under the age of eight and,
- Weights between 18 and 36 kg (40 to 80 lb) and
- Is less than 145 cm (4'9") tall
Youth: A child can start using a seatbelt without a booster seat once he/she:
- Turns eight years old or
- Weighs 36 kg (80lb) or,
- Is 145 cm (4'9") tall
Important tips to keep your child safe and secure…
- Use the right seat for your child's weight and development.
- Follow the manufacturer's instruction for correct car seat installation and use.
- Be sure to secure your child correctly. Make sure harness straps are snug and tight. Use a tether strap with a forward-facing car seat. Keep children away from active air bags.
- Children 13 years of age and under are safest in the back seat.
