Keeping your child safe in the car can feel overwhelming. Many parents have questions about how to make sure their child is properly secured. What kind of car seat do you need? How do you install it? When do you need to change car seats? When will your child be ready for a seat belt?
The law in Ontario says that the driver is responsible for making sure any person less than 16 years old is properly secured according to their weight, height and age.
Check out the 4 stages below to see where your child fits.
Other Helpful Tips
- Big snowsuits or winter clothing are not recommended for use with a car seat, as they can prevent the harness from being tightened properly.
- Do not leave loose items in your vehicle because they will become projectiles in a collision and may cause injury to passengers.
- Items that did not come with your child's car seat (after-market products) may not be safe to use. For more information on after-market products, please visit Transport Canada.
- Register your child's car seat with the manufacturer. They will notify you if there has been a recall on your child's car seat.
- Always replace a car seat that is expired, torn, broken, discoloured or was in a vehicle during a collision.
Please note: In Ontario, if you do not properly secure your child in a seatbelt or in an appropriate child car seat as per weight, height and age requirements, the fine is up to $1,000.00 plus 2 demerit points on conviction.
Need Help?
Contact the Ottawa Safety Council at 613-238-1513 or email them at info@ottawasafetycouncil.ca. For more information on car seats visit the Ottawa Safety Council Car and Booster Seat Safety website.
Resources:
The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario – Choosing a child car seat
The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario – Child Car Seat Safety Video
The Right Seat | IWK Child Safety Link – Multilanguage fact sheets and videos on child car seat safety
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
- Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
- Connect with other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
- You can update your child's immunization record using either the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App.
- If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.
Contact Us
Ottawa Public Health
100 Constellation Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K2G 6J8
T 613-PARENTS (613-727-3687)
TTY 613-580-9656
TF 1-866-426-8885
Email: Email Ottawa Public Health