Weights may vary from car seat to car seat. Your child car seat manufacturer's instructions will advise you if the seat is suitable for your child as well as explain which equipment is required.
Infant car seat
1.8 to 16 kg (4 to 35 lb)
Guidelines to follow:
- car seat faces rear
- car seat secured by locking seatbelt or Universal Anchorage System (UAS)
- use locking clip if seatbelt doesn't have a locking device
- harness straps snug - 1 finger slides between strap and child's collarbone
- chest clip at level of underarm
- handle down in the vehicle (where required by the manufacturer)
- harness straps at or below baby's shoulder
- baby's head is at least 1 inch below top of seat
Convertible car seat
2.3 to 22 kg (5 to 48 lb)
Guidelines to follow:
- car seat faces rear from birth to 1 year of age and can accomodate weights from 2.3 to 22 kg (5 to 48 lb). However, check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your seat will accommodate your child's weight.
- seat can face forward when child is 1 year of age and weighs 9 to 30 kg (20 to 65 lb)
- restraint secured by locking seatbelt or UAS
- use locking clip if seatbelt doesn't have a locking device
- harness straps snug - 1 finger slides between strap and child's collarbone
- chest clip at level of underarm
- harness straps at or below baby's shoulders
- car seat can face forward when the following criteria are met:
- child is 1 year of age
- walks unassisted
It is recommended that children stay in any seating position (rear or forward) until they reach the maximum weight recommended by the manufacturer for that seating position.
Note: If child doesn't meet all requirements, the seat should remain rear facing.
Installation check
Have your car seat checked by a trained technician to verify you're doing it properly. Find a certified technician or view the car seat clinic schedule for a clinic in your area.
To see a demonstration of how to properly install a car seat, check out the videos on the Safe Kids Canada website.
306-775-6042
1-800-667-8015 ext. 6042
