Child Passenger Safety

The law in Ontario says that you must have your baby in a rear-facing car seat from birth to at least 9 kg (20 lbs.). However, it is best to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Some rear-facing car seats are for children that weigh up to 20 kg (50 lbs.). It is okay for your child’s legs to touch the back of your vehicle's seat as long as your child is still below the weight and height limits of the child car seat.

How to install your rear-facing car seat

Always check your vehicle's manual and car seat's user guide for how to install your child's car seat. To ensure a proper recline, use the level indicator found on the car seat. Always check for movement at the belt path. Make sure the car seat does not move more than 2.5 cm (1") from side to side or from front to back.

How to buckle up your child

Make sure the shoulder harness straps are at or just below your baby's shoulders and that the chest clip is at armpit level. Ensure the straps are straight and do not twist or fold. Use the “Pinch Test” to ensure that the harness is properly secured. To do this, you need to pinch the harness vertically, at your child’s shoulders.  If you can pinch and hold the harness, then it needs to be tightened. 

For information on the positioning of the handle on your child's car seat, check your car seat's user guide or speak with the manufacturer. 

Safety Drives Us: Rear-facing Child Car Seat video in multiple languages

The law in Ontario says that your child needs to be in a car seat until a minimum of 40 lbs. Keep in mind that it is best to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible (until they reach the maximum height or weight outlined in the car seat manual). Once your child has outgrown the seat in the rear-facing position, you can turn the convertible infant/child car seat to forward-facing. Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat for as long as possible (until they reach the maximum height or weight outlined in the car seat manual) before switching to a booster seat. Many forward-facing car seats can safely restrain a child up to 30 kg (65 lbs.).

How to install your forward-facing car seat

Always check your vehicle's manual and car seat's user guide for how to install your child car seat. Always check for movement at the belt path. Make sure the car seat does not move more than 2.5 cm (1") from side to side or front to back.

How to connect the tether strap 

If you have a forward-facing car seat, you must connect the tether strap to the tether anchor in your vehicle. You will find the tether strap at the top of the car seat. The strap keeps your child's car seat from moving forward in a collision. If your vehicle does not have a tether anchor, contact a dealership to have one put in.

How to buckle up your child

Make sure the shoulder harness straps are at or just above the child's shoulders and that the chest clip is at armpit level. Use the “Pinch Test” to ensure that the harness is properly secured. To do this, you need to pinch the harness vertically, at your child’s shoulders.  If you can pinch and hold the harness, then it needs to be tightened. 

Safety Drives Us: Forward-facing Child Car Seat video in multiple languages

The law in Ontario says that your child needs to be a minimum of 40lbs to use a booster seat. It is best to keep your child in a forward-facing car seat for as long as possible (until they reach the maximum height or weight outlined in the car seat manual). Once in a booster, your child should remain in a booster seat until one of the following occurs.

Your child is:

• 8 years of age, or
• 36 kg (80 lbs.), or
• 145 cm (4' 9") tall

If your child has met one of the above criteria, they may not be completely ready for a seatbelt. It is best to keep them in a booster seat until they reach the maximum height or weight outlined in the booster seat manual.  See the seat belt section below to determine whether your child is ready to be restrained without a booster seat.

Safety Drives Us: Booster Seat video in multiple languages

Seat belts are designed for older children and adults. Your child is ready for a seat belt ONLY when:

• Your child's back is against the back of the vehicle's seat;
• Your child's knees hang over the seat and feet are touching the floor;
• The shoulder belt can fit across your child's shoulder, NOT on the neck or face; and
• The lap belt fits snugly across your child's hip bones, NOT on the stomach.

If your child does not meet all the above, it is recommended that you continue to use a booster seat.

Seat Belt Safety Tips

• If your child is under 13 years of age, they are safest in the back seat of the vehicle. Most vehicles have front seat air bags, and these can hurt your child if the bags inflate during a crash or sudden stop
• Never put two children in the same seat belt
• Never place the shoulder strap behind your child's back or tucked under the arm
• Ensure that when your child is sitting, the shoulder belt fits across the shoulder and not on the neck or the arm
• Ensure that the lap belt fits snugly across the hip bones and not across the stomach