Buying and Installing a Child Seat

Buying a child car seat

A child car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. It can significantly reduce the risk of injury and death. Use the following information to help you buy and install a child seat.

Where should I start?

Make sure that the child seat you are considering:

  • Is appropriate for your child’s age and weight. Go to the stage that most closely meets your child’s needs:
  • Meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) statement and/or the National Safety Mark. Seats bought in other countries are not legal for use in Canada. For example, U.S.-approved booster seats allow for a lower weight limit.
  • Can be installed correctly in your vehicle. Refer to ICBC’s Buying a Child Seat
  • Is easy to use. Look for a child seat with a harness that tightens and loosens from the front. The tether strap should tighten easily — like a seat belt.

Before you go shopping

Download ICBC’s Child Seat Buyer’s Checklist. (Scroll down to number 9 and follow the link.) Take it with you when you go shopping for a child safety seat. Use it to help you narrow down your options.

Buying a used child car seat

The Traffic Safety Foundation recommends that you buy a new child seat, if you can afford one. But if used fits your budget better, there are some things to think about before you make your purchase.

Before you consider purchasing a used child car seat or if a friend offers you one that their child has outgrown, see our guide to Buying a Used Child Safety Seat

From time to time Transport Canada recalls child car seats as a result of safety concerns. If you are buying a used child seat or if you want to check the status of a child seat you already own, be sure to check the list of Infant, Child and Booster Seat Recalls [PDF]. If you have any questions, be sure to call the Info Line at 1-877-247-5551.

Installing a child car seat

Start by reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions and reading your vehicle owner’s manual. Installation varies from child seat to child seat.

Here are some key pointers for using your child seat. Always:

  • Use the right seat for your child.
  • Use a rear-facing child car seat for children up to at least one year of age AND 9 kg (20 lb.). Remember — never place a rear-facing child seat in a front passenger seat with an active air bag.
  • Use a forward-facing child car seat for children at least one year over 9kg (20 lb.) to at least 18 kg (40 lb.).
  • Ensure that the seat belt/UAS is routed through the correct seat belt path on the child seat.
  • Make sure the child seat is secured tightly by the seatbelt/UAS.
  • Check that the tether strap is attached and tight when the child car seat is forward facing. See Forward-Facing Car Seats (Over 1 Year).

Securing a child in a child car seat

  • Harness is not twisted.
  • Harness is snug and at the appropriate height.
  • Chest clip is positioned at arm pit level.

Ensure that your child is really ready to move up to the next stage. Remember — there’s no rush.

For more detailed information, review the checklists in the appropriate stage for your child:

BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation/ICBC Child Passenger Safety Program

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