Forward-Facing Seats (Over 1 Year)
Use the right car seat for your child
- Starts when your child is at least one year old AND over 9 kg (20 lb.).
- Until your child reaches at least 18 kg (40 lb.). Some child seats can accommodate children up to 30 kg (65 lb.).
- All drivers must ensure that all children who meet the above ages and weights are secured in a forward-facing child car seat.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read the vehicle owner’s manual for correct use and installation.
Download and print our
Forward-Facing Car Seats (Over 1 Year) Fact Sheet.[PDF]
Key points for forward-facing car seats
- The child seat is always in the forward-facing position.
- Don’t rush the transition from the rear-facing to the forward-facing position. (If your child is using a rear-facing child car seat, check your manufacturers instructions for the rear-facing weight limit.)
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Look for a label that says the child safety seat complies with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
- All forward-facing child car seats must be secured with a tether.
Different forward-facing child car seat styles to choose from
Infant/child (convertible)
- Can be used both rear and forward facing.
- Use forward facing once your child is at least one year old AND over 9 kg (20 lb.).
Infant/Child/Booster (3-In-One)
- Can be used rear facing, forward facing with harness and as a booster seat without harness.
- Use forward facing once your child is at least one year old AND over 9 kg (20 lb.).
Child/booster seat (combination)
- Can be used forward facing with harness and as a booster seat without harness.
- Use forward facing once your child is at least one year old AND over 9 kg (20 lb.).
If you are shopping for a child/booster or infant/child/booster seat, look for one that can be used with the harness for children over 18 kg (40 lb.). (Some seats can be used with a harness for children up to 30 kg (65 lb.). Don’t rush the transition to a booster seat.
Installing the forward-facing child seat
Child seats must be installed correctly to ensure your child is as safe as possible.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read the vehicle owner’s manual.
Installation checklist
- I have read manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual.
- Child seat is forward facing.
- Child car seat is in the upright position.
- The seat belt or UAS is in correct belt path for the child car seat.
- Child car seat is secured tightly by a vehicle seat belt or UAS. Check periodically to ensure that the seat belt hasn’t loosened.)
All vehicles manufactured after September 2002 and newer child car seats are equipped with the Universal Anchorage System (UAS).
Download and print our Universal Anchorage System (UAS) fact sheet.
- Top of the child car seat is tightly secured by a properly attached tether strap. (If your vehicle doesn't have
a tether anchor, one can be installed. Contact your dealer or a reputable vehicle repair service).
Harnessing checklist for forward-facing child seat
- I have read manufacturer’s instructions.
- Harness straps are not twisted.
- Harness straps are positioned above the child’s shoulders.
- Harness is snug so that no more than two fingers can fit between the harness and your child’s collarbone.
- Chest clip is positioned so that it is at the arm pit level.
- Child is dressed in clothing that is not bulky.
More information
For more information, be sure to check:
BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation / ICBC Child Passenger Safety Program