Buying and Installing a Child Seat

Buying a child car seat

A child car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. It can significantly reduce the risk of injury and death. Use the following information to help you buy and install a child car seat

Where should I start?

Make sure that the child car seat you are considering:

# Is appropriate for your child’s age and weight. Go to the stage that most closely meets your child’s needs:

#Meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Look for the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) statement and/or the National Safety Mark. Seats bought in other countries are not legal for use in Canada. For example, U.S.-approved booster seats allow for a lower weight limit.
# Is easy to use. Look for a child car seat with a harness that tightens and loosens from the front. The tether strap should tighten easily – like a seat belt.

Buying a used child car seat

The Traffic Safety Foundation recommends that you buy a new child car seat if you can afford one. But if used fits your budget better, there are some things to think about before you make your purchase.
Before you consider purchasing a used child car seat or if a friend offers you one that their child has outgrown, see our guide to Buying a Used Child Car Seat [PDF].

From time to time Transport Canada recalls child car seats as a result of safety concerns. If you are buying a used child car seat or if you want to check the status of a child car seat you already own, be sure to check the list of Infant, Child and Booster Car Seat Recalls [PDF]. If you have any questions, be sure to call the Info Line at 1-877-247-5551.

Installing a child car seat

Start by reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions and reading your vehicle owner’s manual. Installation varies from child car seat to child car seat.

Here are some key pointers for using your car child seat. Always:
# Use the right child car seat for your child.
# Use a rear-facing child car seat for children up to at least one year of age AND 9 kg (20 lb.). Remember – never place a rear-facing child car seat in a front passenger seat with an active air bag.
# Use a forward-facing child car seat for children at least one year over 9 kg (20 lb.) to at least 18 kg (40 lb.).
# Ensure that the seat belt/UAS is routed through the correct seat belt path on the child car seat.
# Make sure the child car seat is secured tightly by the seat belt/UAS.
# Check that the tether strap is attached and tight when the child car seat is forward facing. See Forward-Facing Child Car Seats (Over 1 Year).

Securing a child in a child car seat

# Harness is not twisted.
# Harness is snug and at the appropriate height.
# Chest clip is positioned at arm pit level.

Ensure that your child is really ready to move up to the next stage. Remember – there’s no rush.

For more detailed information, review the checklists in the appropriate stage for your child:

• Rear-Facing Child Car Seats (Birth to 1 Year)
• Forward-Facing Child Car Seats (Over 1 year)
• Booster Child Car Seats (Under 9 Years)
• Seatbelts and Children (Over 9 Years)