Forward-Facing Seats (Over 1 Year)
Use the right child safety seat for your children
- This stage starts when your toddler is at least one year old and at the maximum weight for the safety seat in the rear-facing position.
- It lasts until your child reaches at least 18 kg (40 lb.). Some child seats can accommodate children up to 30 kg (65 lb.).
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read the vehicle owner’s manual for correct use and installation.
Download and print our
Forward-Facing Safety Seats (Over 1 Year) Fact Sheet.[PDF]
Key points for forward-facing safety seats
- The child seat is always in the forward-facing position.
- Dont rush the transition from the rear-facing to the forward-facing position. (If your baby is using an infant/child (convertible) 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 safety seats must be secured with a tether.
Different forward-facing safety seat styles to choose from
There are two different styles of seats to choose from:
- Forward-facing infant/child seat (convertible)
- 5-point harness — The harness straps retrain your toddler at the shoulders, over the hips and buckle up between the legs.
- Tray shield — The harness straps restrain the shoulders and buckle up between the legs.
- Child/booster seat (combination) — As its name implies, this type of child seat can be used during two stages. In the first stage (this stage), a 5-point harness secures the child and the child seat requires the use of a tether strap. When your child is over 18 kg (40 lb.), the child seat can be converted to a belt-positioning booster seat.
If your child is too tall or too heavy for his or her safety seat, you need to consider a combination child/booster seat that can be used with the harness for children up to 22 kg (48 lb.).
Installing the child seat
Child seats must be installed correctly to ensure your toddler is as safe as possible.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read the vehicle owner’s manual.
Use the following quick checklist to ensure your child seat is installed correctly:
- Child seat is forward facing.
- Child safety seat is in the upright position.
- The seat belt or UAS is in correct belt path for the child safety seat.
- Child safety seat is secured tightly by a vehicle seat belt or UAS. (Ensure there is no more than one inch of play side to side at the seat belt path. Check periodically to ensure that the seat belt hasn’t loosened.)
All vehicles manufactured after September 2002 and newer child seats are equipped with the Universal Anchorage System (UAS).
Download and print our Universal Anchorage System (UAS) fact sheet.
- Top of the child 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.
Securing your toddler in the safety seat
- Harness straps are not twisted
- Harness straps are positioned at or above the childs shoulder in the reinforced harness slots designated for forward-facing use. (Refer to the manufacturers instructions.)
- Harness is snug so that no more than one finger can fit between the harness and your toddlers collarbone.
- Chest clip is positioned so that it is at the arm pit level.
- Bulky clothing is not used. The thick material can compress in a crash resulting in loose harness straps
More information
For more information, be sure to check:
BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation / ICBC Child Passenger Safety Program