Car seat guide
Everything you need to know about choosing, installing and using the right car seat for your child
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Some parenting jobs never get any easier, and using car seats is one of them. Safer cars, clever engineering, sturdy anchoring systems and updated laws have all helped reduce the number of children who are seriously injured or killed in traffic collisions. But selecting and installing the right car seat for your child — and your vehicle — is still a challenge.
Here’s a guide to the three main categories of car seats, with tips on how to select the appropriate one, install it properly, and know when it’s time to graduate to the next stage.
Rear-Facing Seats
Who they’re for: Rear-facing seats are for babies and toddlers. Provincial laws and manufacturers’ guidelines vary but, in general, kids should use them from birth until they are at least 12 months old and weigh 20 to 22 pounds (9 to 10 kg).
What they do: Young children are especially vulnerable to injuries of the head, neck and spine. Rear-facing seats ensure the child is not thrown violently forward during a collision or sudden stop.
How to install: The safest position to install an infant seat is in the centre of the vehicle’s back seat. If your vehicle does not have Universal Anchorage System (UAS) connectors in the centre of the back seat, use the seat belt instead. With some seat belts, you may need to use a locking clip.
The seat should not move more than an inch in any direction. The best way to ensure a secure installation is to use your knee to press down on the seat when you tighten the belt.
The seat should rest at a 45-degree angle: Use a foam pool noodle under the base of the seat to adjust the angle, if necessary.
The slot for the harness straps should be at or just below baby’s shoulders. Ensure the harness is snug and the chest clip is at the level of your child’s armpit.
When to move up: Your child should remain rear-facing until she reaches the maximum allowable weight and height limits set by the manufacturer. Moving your toddler to a forward-facing seat is not a milestone like standing or walking — don’t be in a hurry! Many children outgrow infant-only seats shortly after their first birthday, but convertible seats can be safely used in the rear-facing position until a child is 30 to 40 pounds (14 to 18 kg) and 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 cm) tall, depending on the model.
Next up: Forward-facing seats >>
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What do you think?
Maria (not verified) says ....
The recommendations always focus on putting your child in the centre of the backseat, but what to do with multiple children? We now have a van that does not have a proper, centre seat, but prior to selling our car, I often wondered if I should be putting my newborn in the centre, or my 2 year old? Is there any advice there?
Anonymous says ....
your info was some what useful , but for some reason here in mississauga ont peel police nor the regional health know were to go and see if the car seat is install wright so how are the aloud to say what to do