Child safety seats, when installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. In fact, young children who are properly restrained in car seats and booster seats have an 80 per cent lower risk of suffering from a fatal injury compared to those who are unrestrained.
Child safety seats are not just a good idea, they are the law. All provinces and territories require some form of special restraint to be used for young children. The legislation varies slightly province to province. Make sure to check with your local provincial government to find your applicable regulations.
It’s possible that regulations may be more lenient in your area, however the following guidelines are based on the strictest of provincial laws and will provide the best protection for your child.
Infants:
- Use a convertible seat facing the rear of the vehicle.
- Seat should be secured using the LATCH system.
- Do not use this seat in the front of your vehicle where an air bag is present.
Toddlers (1 to 4 years old):
- Use a face-forward convertible seat, forward-facing only seat or high back booster/harness.
- Seat should be secured using the LATCH system or safety belts.
Young Children (4 to at least 8 years old):
- Use a belt-positioning booster or high back belt-positioning booster.
- Always use the lap and shoulder seat belt.
Using a child safety seat correctly is the key to keeping your child safe in case of an accident. If the seat is not installed properly, it may not protect your child in a crash. However, it only takes one minute to check the seat before you start the ignition.