Car seats protect children from being injured in a car crash. When you use the right car seat in the right way, you can reduce the risk that your child will be hurt or killed by 70%. Car seats and booster seats save lives.

Recommendations

The Type of Car Seat for your Child

At this age your child will either be in a forward facing car seat or a booster seat. A combination seat is one that can be used both for forward facing and then change into a booster seat. This type of car seat usually has a high weight limit for the car seat harness that can be up to 65 pounds (30 kg). Check your car seat for height and weight limits and also check your car seat instructions and car owners manual about how to install the higher weight car seats.

Forward Facing Car Seat

If your child is under the weight of 40 lbs (18 kg) they must be in a harnessed car seat. Try to wait until your child is at least four years old before they move into a booster seat. If your child is younger than 4 and heavier than 40 lbs (18 kg), it is recommended to use a combination seat that can accommodate weights higher than 40 lbs (18 kg) in the harness.

Booster Seat

A booster seat is for children that weigh at least 40 pounds. A booster seat raises the child up so that the seat belt fits correctly.

For more information check the videos below.

Click here to download our parent booklet: "Keep Kids Safe: A Parent's Guide to Car Seats"

To chat with other parents and car seat safety volunteers, check out the Atlantic Car Seat Safety page on Facebook.