Buying and Installing a Child Seat

Buying a child safety seat

A correctly fitted and installed child seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. It can reduce the risk of injury and death by up to 85%. 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 to ensure the child safety seat or booster seat meets Canada’s rigorous standards and regulations. Seats bought in other countries are not legal for use in Canada and may not protect your child in a crash. 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 safety 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 safety 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 safety 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 safety seat

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

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

  • Use the right seat for your child.
  • Use a rear-facing seat for children up to at least one year of age. Remember — never place a rear-facing child seat in a vehicle seat with an air bag.
  • Use a forward-facing child safety seat for children at least one year to appproximately four years of age.
  • 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 seat/UAS with no more than one inch play side to side at the seat belt path.
  • Check that the tether strap is attached and tight when the child safety seat is forward facing. See Forward-Facing Safety Seats (Over 1 Year).

Securing a child in a child safety 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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