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Car Seat Safety

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Page Summary

Car seats can help minimize the impact of a vehicle collision to a child. Learn more about selecting, installing and using your car seat properly. To speak with a public health nurse about car seat safety, call 311.

Infants and children require car seats and booster seats to help spread the forces of a crash across the strongest parts of their bodies.

For a child to get the best protection from the car seat:

  • It must be the right seat for the age, height and weight of the child
  • It must be properly attached to the vehicle
  • The child must be properly harnessed into the car seat

There are four stages of child passenger safety. The right stage depends on the child's age, weight, and height.

Ontario car seat law

Ontario law for child passenger safety is enforced under the Highway Traffic Act, regulation 613 (external link) (seatbelt assemblies).

The following summarizes the minimum legal requirements for anyone travelling with young children in their vehicles in Ontario.

Definitions

Infant

  • Range: birth until 9 kg (20 lbs)
  • Stage: Rear-facing
  • Legal requirements (in Ontario): Must be in a rear-facing car seat, properly harnessed and installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Toddler

  • Range: 9 kg (20 lbs) until 18 kg (40 lbs)
  • Stage: Forward-facing
  • Legal requirements (in Ontario): Must be in an appropriate car seat (rear or forward-facing), properly harnessed and installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. [forward-facing car seats must have a top tether strap secured in addition to the seat belt or universal anchorage system]

Preschooler

  • Range: 18 kg (40 lbs) until 8 years old, 145 cm (4ft. 9 inches), or 36 kg (80 lbs)
  • Stage: Booster seats
  • Legal requirements (in Ontario): Must ride in an appropriate forward facing car seat or booster seat, properly harnessed and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The National Safety Mark for use in Canada has a Black and White outline of a Maple Leaf with YYY in the centre. Along the edge of the outlined circle surrounding it are the follow words from top and along the right;
Car seats and booster seats must be purchased in Canada and show the National Safety Mark for use in Canada. It is illegal to use a car seat or booster seat purchased from another country (e.g., the U.S.) unless you are a visitor.

What you need to know about car seat safety

There is a lot to consider before buying a car seat. Having a clear understanding of which child seat is most suitable for the child will help to keep them best protected.

Before buying:

  • Choosing the right seat for a child can be confusing. There are many options to choose from.
  • Check the child’s height and weight.
  • Check the expiry date or ‘useful’ life date on the seat to make sure it has not been on the shelf at the store for a long period of time.
  • Choose a seat with a higher height and weight limit, so it can be used longer.
  • Only Canadian car seats and boosters can be used. Check for the National Safety Mark.

Keep in mind:

  • The law is used as the minimum standard. Try to exceed these standards by keeping a child in each stage as long as possible.
  • No one brand of car seat is the safest.
  • Price is not an indication of safety.
  • The best seat fits the child and the vehicle and is used correctly.

Second hand car seats

Considering using a second hand car seat?

It is advised not to buy a used car seat. There are many unknown factors that can impact a child's safety, such as car seat expiry date or whether the seat has previously been involved in a collision.

If planning to borrow a car seat from a close friend or family member, consider the following:

  • The age of the car seat (ensure it’s not expired)
  • Has there been a recall on the car seat?
  • Has the car seat ever been in a crash?
  • Does the seat have all of its parts?
  • Is there an instruction manual?
  • Is it the right seat for the child’s weight and height?
  • Is it the right seat for the child’s stage?
  • Does the car seat fit well in the vehicle?

The 4 stages of child passenger safety

There are 4 stages of child passenger safety.

The right stage depends on the child's age, weight, and height.

Adapted from Transport Canada (external link)

Stage One: Rear-facing

  • Infants and toddlers benefit greatly from travelling facing the back of a vehicle.
  • This position allows the car seat to absorb most of the force from a collision instead of the fragile head and neck of a baby.
  • Do not be in a rush to move a child into a forward-facing car seat!

Tips for attaching the car seat in a vehicle:

  • Always read and follow both the car seat manual AND the vehicle manual.
  • Most infant-only seats have a detachable base, which is attached to the vehicle. The car seat snaps into the base.
  • The car seat manual will explain where and how to attach the car seat (or infant base) using either the seat belt or the universal anchorage system (UAS).
  • Check the vehicle manual to locate the UAS in the vehicle.
  • The car seat manual will tell you at what angle to install the rear-facing seat. Many car seats have built in level indicators to help get the right angle.
  • The infant-only base may need to be adjusted to get the correct angle depending on the slope of the vehicle’s seats.
  • When tightening the seat belt or UAS, push down on the car seat while pulling the strap tight. There should be less than 1 inch of movement in any direction where the belt is attached.
  • If using an infant-only car seat, check the car seat manual to see if the carry handle should be up or down while driving.
  • Never attach a rear-facing car seat in the front seat in front of an active air bag.

Tips for harnessing a baby in a rear-facing car seat:

  • Always read and follow the car seat manual.
  • The child’s back and bottom should be flat against the car seat back.
  • Extra padding should never be placed behind the child.
  • Harness straps should come out of the back of the car seat at or slightly below the child's shoulders.
  • Harness straps must lay flat, no twists or folds.
  • The harness should fit tightly. Try the ‘pinch test’ – you should not be able to pinch a fold in the harness strap.
  • The chest clip must be placed at the armpit level to prevent the harness straps from sliding off the shoulders.

How long should a child stay rear-facing?

  • Don’t rush! Even if a child is able to walk independently and the law says they can use a forward-facing seat, the rear-facing position is still safer.
  • The car seat manual will confirm the maximum weight and height of a child for that seat in the rear-facing position. As long as a child is within the weight and height limits of their current car seat, use that seat for as long as possible.
  • It is okay if a child’s legs touch the back of your vehicle seat.
  • If a child grows out of their current rear-facing car seat, there may be another style or brand that will still fit the child. Some rear-facing car seats can be used for children up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
  • To speak with a public health nurse about car seat safety, call 311.

Stage Two: Forward-facing

  • A child should stay rear-facing as long as possible. Once they are older, they can move to a forward-facing car seat.
  • This stage provides protection through a 5-point harness system that is placed over the strong, bony parts of a child’s body.
  • A top tether strap is used along with the seat belt or universal anchorage system (UAS) to prevent the head from moving too far forward in a crash.
  • Do not be in a rush to move a child into a booster seat!

Tips for attaching the car seat in a vehicle:

  • Always read and follow both the car seat manual AND the vehicle manual.
  • The vehicle manual will explain where and how to attach the car seat using either the seat belt or the universal anchorage system (UAS).
  • Check both the car seat and vehicle manuals for UAS weight limits.
  • When tightening the seat belt or UAS, push down on the car seat while pulling the strap tight. There should be less than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement in any direction where the belt is attached.
  • All forward-facing car seats must have a top tether strap attached to an anchor bolt in the vehicle (in addition to the seat belt or UAS). Check the vehicle manual to locate the tether anchor bolts in the vehicle. The tether strap must be tight to prevent the car seat from tipping forward in a crash.
  • Generally, forward-facing car seats should be in the upright position. Check the car seat manual to see if there are any other acceptable recline positions
  • Never attach a forward-facing car seat in the front seat in front of an active air bag

Tips for harnessing a child in a forward-facing seat:

  • Always read and follow the car seat manual.
  • Harness straps should come out of the back of the car seat at or slightly above the child's shoulders.
  • Do not place extra padding behind the child
  • Harness straps must lay flat, no twists or folds.
  • The harness should fit tightly. Try the ‘pinch test’ – you should not be able to pinch a fold in the harness strap
  • The chest clip must be placed at the armpit level to prevent the harness straps from sliding off the shoulders.

When is a child ready for a booster seat?

  • Don’t rush! Even if a child weighs over 18 kg (40 lbs) and the law says they can use a booster seat, a child is safer in the forward-facing seat! As long as a child is still within the weight and height limits of their current car seat, use that seat for as long as possible.
  • Keep a child in their forward-facing seat until they grow out of it. The car seat manual will tell you the maximum weight and height of a child for that seat in the forward-facing position. If a child grows out of their current forward-facing car seat, there may be another type/brand of forward-facing car seat that may still fit. Some forward-facing car seats can be used for children up to 30 kg (65 lbs)

Stage Three: Booster

  • It is safer for a child to stay forward-facing as long as possible. Children must be at least 18 kg (40 lbs) to move to a booster seat.
  • Seat belts are designed to fit adults, not children. Booster seats raise a child up so that the seat belt fits over the correct parts of the body.
  • An incorrectly placed lap or shoulder belt can cause serious internal and neck injuries to a child. The ‘arm rest’ of the booster acts as hipbones to hold the lap belt in place. Do not be in a rush to move a child into a seat belt alone!

Tips for properly buckling a child into a booster seat:

  • All booster seats need a lap and shoulder seat belt.
  • The vehicle manual will tell you where you can use a booster seat in the vehicle.
  • The booster seat manual will explain how to fit both the lap and shoulder parts of the seat belt over the child and the booster seat properly.
  • Never attach a booster seat in the front seat in front of an active air bag.
  • Buckle the booster seat even when a child isn't in it so that it doesn't injure anyone in the vehicle during a sudden stop or crash.

When is a child ready to come out of a booster seat?

  • Don’t rush! Even if a child is 8 years old and the law says they can use a seat belt alone, a child is still safer in a booster seat.
  • Keep a child in their booster seat until they grow out of it.
  • The booster seat manual will tell you the maximum weight and height of a child for that seat.
  • If a child grows out of their current booster seat, there may be another style or brand of booster seat that may still fit. Some booster seats can be used for children up to 54 kg (120 lbs).

A booster seat should be used until:

  • A child has a sitting height of at least 74 cm (29 inches)
  • A child is at least 145 cm (4 feet, 9 inches) tall
  • A child is 9 or 10 years of age
  • The lap belt rests across their upper thighs
  • The shoulder belt is centred across the chest
  • A child can sit all the way back against the vehicle seat with their knees bent over the edge of the seat (and they can stay seated like this for the whole trip)

Stage Four: Seat Belts

  • A child should use a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits correctly.
  • Seat belts are designed to fit adults, not children. If the seat belt is worn incorrectly, a child could suffer serious internal or brain injuries in a crash. A lap and shoulder belt offers better protection than a lap belt alone.

Tips for using a seat belt properly:

  • Transport Canada recommends that all children 12 years and under sit in the back seat, especially when there is a front air bag
  • The lap belt should fit over the upper thighs and the shoulder belt should be in the centre of a child’s shoulders and chest
  • The seat belt should fit snugly
  • It's important to set a good example - wear a seat belt every time when travelling in the car!
  • Any after market seat belt positioning devices are not recommended. These devices can seriously injure a child. If the seat belt does not seem to fit a child properly on its own, they likely should be in a booster seat.

Disposing of a used seat

To get rid of an expired, damaged, or unsafe car seat you can:

  • recycle the car seat at ATMO Recycling (external link)
  • take it apart and put it at the curb for garbage pick up. Make sure the straps are cut, the padding is removed and that these items are disposed separately. An intact car seat that has been put at the curb for garbage, may be picked up by someone that does not know it is unsafe to use.

Recalls and public notices

  • Register a new car seat with the manufacturer.
  • This can be done either online or by sending in the registration card that comes with the seat.
  • Car seat and booster seat manufacturers are required to notify all registered consumers of any defects, recalls, public notices or other potential problems with the seat they have purchased.
  • Public notices and recalls can also be found on Transport Canada’s website (external link).

Expiry and useful life dates

Additional Resources

There are several resources available with tips on how to correctly harness a child and install a car seat a vehicle.

Video clips: Child seat installation and use.

Follow both the car seat AND vehicle manuals to install the seat and harness the child properly. For additional tips, watch this video series:

View car seat videos in other languages (external link).

Halton car seat clinics and education

  • To have a car seat inspected for free, call 311 or visit HPCSS to see what is available in your community.
  • To hire a private company to install a car seat, look online. (ensure the company you use provides certified car seat technicians).
  • For professionals in the community looking for a presentation or display on car seat safety for an event, call 311 or email haltonparents@halton.ca

Halton Partners for Car Seat Safety (HPCSS)

HPCSS is a community group of professionals and volunteers who aim to increase car seat safety for children through awareness, education and enforcement.

Partners include:

  • Halton Region Health Department
  • Halton Regional Police Services
  • Halton Regional Paramedic Services
  • Milton Fire Department
  • Halton Hills Fire Department
  • Burlington Fire Department
  • The Co-operators
  • Ontario Ministry of Transportation
  • Ontario Provincial Police
  • Community volunteers

Safety Drives Us

Safety Drives Us was formed to enhance the safety of all road users. Their mission is to remove barriers and enhance the safety of all Ontarians.

Partners include:

  • Brampton Multicultural Council
  • Halton Multicultural Council
  • Hamilton Public Health Services
  • Ontario Ministry of Transportation
  • Ontario Provincial Police
  • Region of Peel
  • Road Today
  • Peel Regional Police
  • Halton Regional Police

The Safety Drives Us website includes videos and training materials in several languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find the answer to your question below, please reach out to a public health nurse by dialing 311.

Buying a Car Seat

Is it possible to buy a safe, affordable car seat on a budget?

  • Yes. Price is not an indication of safety. All car seats sold in Canada have to pass the same safety tests in order to be approved. Prices may vary based on options like fabrics or accessories.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute to get a car seat. Give plenty of time to shop around and look for sales.

How can I tell which car seat is compatible with the vehicle I am using?

  • If a car seat is relatively easy to install and fits well in the vehicle you are using when installed (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), then that means it is compatible.
  • If the seat cannot be made tight enough or to the correct angle (according to the manual) or if it is very hard to achieve these things, it might be best to try a different model.

Why is it illegal to use a car seat purchased in another country in Canada?

  • Countries have different rules and methods of testing car seats.
  • Only car seats purchased in Canada can be used. They need to have passed all the tests and requirements set out by Transport Canada and have the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) sticker.

Is it safe to use a car seat bought at a garage sale?

  • If the history of the car seat (for example, it's expiry date or if it has ever been in a car crash) is not known, it is best not to use it.
  • Also, car seats or booster seats should not be used if they do not meet current Canadian safety standards.
  • Often times, car seats sold online or at garage sales may not have the instruction manual with them.

Is it safe to re-use an old car seat that was used for an older child?

Before re-using an old car seat consider:

  • Has the seat expired (external link)?
  • Has there been a recall (external link) on the seat since it was last used?
  • Are the instructions available to ensure that the seat can be properly installed?
  • Is the seat still in good shape and does it have all its parts?
  • Does the car seat fit in the back seat of the vehicle being used well?

How can I find out if a car seat has been recalled?

Installation & Position

How can I make sure a car seat is installed correctly?

Can the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) be used to attach a car seat in the centre seat?

  • Check the vehicle’s owner manual to see if the UAS can be used in the centre seating position.
  • In many vehicles, you must either use the seat belt must be used instead of the UAS to attach the car seat in the middle spot or the car seat must move it to one of the sides of the vehicle to use the UAS.

Is it safer to use both the UAS AND the seatbelt when installing a car seat?

  • No. The seat belt OR the UAS should be used to attach your car seat to your vehicle, not both (unless otherwise directed by both the car seat and vehicle manufacturers).

How should two or more car seats be positioned in a vehicle?

  • Positioning of two car seats (or more) will depend on the make and stage of the car seats, and the make of the vehicle. Follow the instruction manuals.

Can tether straps that are required for use on all forward-facing car seats also be used for rear-facing?

  • It is not common practice to tether rear-facing car seats in Canada.
  • It may be difficult to find an approved spot to attach the rear-facing tether in a vehicle. To tether a rear-facing seat:
    • follow the car seat manual carefully.
    • contact the car seat manufacturer or the vehicle manufacturer with questions.

Proper Use of Car Seats

Is it okay if a rear-facing seat touches the seat in front?

  • Ideally, there should be some space between the car seat and the front vehicle seat. Check the car seat manual to see what is recommended.

How can I keep my baby warm in the winter without using products such as car seat bags and snowsuits that are not recommended for use in the car seat?

  • Rather than using a car seat bag or snowsuit, it's safer to use a blanket over the baby once they are harnessed in the car seat.
  • Too much padding reduces the safety of the seat and can quickly overheat a baby.
  • For infant-only seats, there are also car seat covers available. These go over the top of the car seat and do not interfere with the harness straps.

What if a baby’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat?

  • A child can bend their legs easily and will be comfortable in a rear-facing position. Injuries to the legs are rare for children rear-facing.
  • Follow the car seat manual’s instructions about when a child is too big for the car seat.

What seat should be used next for a baby that is 10 months old and 10 kg (22 lb) that is too big for their infant-only rear-facing car seat?

  • In this case, it would be best to move the baby to an infant-child seat that is both rear-facing and forward-facing.
  • Use it in the rear-facing position until the maximum weight allowed by the manufacturer is reached, and then switch to the forward-facing position. Look for an infant-child seat with a high weight limit so that the child can stay rear-facing longer.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I put a child who is too tall for their current car seat and is 4 years old, 17 kg (37 lb) in a booster seat?

  • No! Don’t rush into the booster seat stage.
  • A child needs to be at least 18 kg (40 lbs) by law (preferably heavier) to be able to use a booster seat.
  • If a child has reached the maximum height for their current car seat, look for a combination child-booster seat. They often accommodate taller children when used as a forward-facing car seat. Once the child reaches the maximum weight limit in the forward-facing position, the child-booster seat can be adjusted to be used as a high back booster seat.

How can I ensure a child is ready to use only a seat belt even if they are 8 and the law says they can move out of a booster seat?

  • Don’t rush! It is better to use a child’s size, rather than age, to determine if they are ready for a seat belt alone. It is recommended that a child be at least 36 kg (80 lbs), 145 cm (4 ft 9 in) tall and have a sitting height of at least 74 cm (29 in) before they move out of a booster seat.

Can a booster seat be used with just a lap belt?

  • No. Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt combination.

Is a driver in Ontario responsible for all passengers they are driving even if they are not their own children?

  • Yes. In Ontario, it is the driver’s legal responsibility to make sure that all passengers under 16 years of age wear a seat belt or are in the correct car seat or booster seat.
  • By law, all child passengers must be buckled up in a child restraint that suits their weight, height and age.

When can a child sit in the front seat?

  • The safest place for a child under age 13 is in the back seat. 
  • Most cars have front seat air bags. These can hurt small children if the bags inflate during a crash or sudden stop. The safest place for children is always in the back seat.

General Safety

What are the most common mistakes made when using car seats?

The most common mistakes that are seen are:

  • the child is in the wrong type of seat for their size
  • the harness straps are too loose
  • the chest clip is too low on the child
  • forward-facing seats are not tethered
  • the car seat is not installed tight enough in the vehicle

Can an infant car seat be used as a portable crib inside the home?

Does a car seat that has been in a crash need to be replaced even if a child wasn’t in it at the time of the crash?

  • A car seat that has been in a crash, even if the child wasn’t in the seat at the time, needs to be replaced.
  • Even if it was a small fender bender or there’s no visible damage to the seat, it’s recommended that the car seat be replaced to ensure the child’s safety. It’s possible that there could be some internal damage to the seat that would make it unable to withstand the force or trauma of another crash.
  • Include the replacement cost of a child’s car seat in an insurance claim. Most insurance companies will cover the cost to replace the damaged car seat.

Should a car seat be used on an airplane?

  • Transport Canada recommends that young children ride in a car seat when flying (external link), however it’s best to call the airline and ask about their specific regulations.
  • It is important to note:
    • Booster seats can't be used on planes because they require a lap and shoulder belt. Airplane seats do not have shoulder belts.
    • Airplane seats do not have tether anchors. The tether strap of the car seat must be stored according to the car seat manual so that it does not hit anyone on the airplane during turbulence.
    • Some airlines allow children under the age of two to ride for free on the plane. In these cases, the child must ride on the adult's lap.

Got a question?

Connect with our team of public health nurses:

                

Did you know:

  • Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury-related death in children up to age 15.
  • A correctly used car seat can reduce the risk of death and serious injury up to 75%.
  • In Halton Region, an average of 75% of drivers have been found to be using their child seats incorrectly.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is intended to help with the selection and safe use of car seats and booster seats. Under no circumstances should this information be used to replace the car seat instruction booklet or the vehicle owner's manual. Car seats and booster seats are all different and these details are included in the manual provided with them. All provinces have different laws.

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