- Check that your seat is approved for use in Canada. You’ll find the National Safety Mark on the car seat or booster seat.
- Read the labels and instructions to make sure that your child is within the height, weight, and age limits for the seat.
- Is your seat secondhand? Make sure you still have all parts, including the instruction booklet. If you do not have it, contact the manufacturer for a copy.
- Has your seat been previously involved in a crash? If you do not know the history of the seat, it may no longer be safe to use.
- Check Transport Canada’s website to find out if your seat has been recalled.
- All car seats and booster seats expire. Check the date on your seat. Contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure.
Do you have questions about keeping your child safe in the car? Call Child Safety Link at 1-866-288-1388 (toll free from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador) or email childsafetylink@iwk.nshealth.ca.
Resources
BACK TO TOPGetting Started: Is Your Car Seat Safe to Use?
This fact sheet is a checklist to help parents/caregivers make sure that a car seat is safe and appropriate for use before they put a child in it.
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Last Updated:
April 29, 2026
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Child Passenger Safety: Top 5 for a Safe Ride
This fact sheet lists the top 5 safety tips for ensuring your child's car seat is used safely and properly. Also available in French.
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Last Updated:
April 29, 2026
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