Keeping your child safe on the road
In the car
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 save lives.
If your child is not yet ready for a booster seat, he or she must continue to use a seat with a 5-point harness that will hold a taller, heavier child. Your child is ready for a booster seat when he or she weighs at least 18 kg (40 pounds) and is able to sit correctly for the whole ride. Use a booster seat with the seat belt until your child is at least 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) tall and the seat belt fits correctly.
The following resources will help you choose and use the right car seat for your child:
- How to keep your child safe in the car: forward-facing seat en français
- How to keep your child safe in the car: booster seat en français
- How to keep your child safe in the car: seat belt en français
- Getting started: Is your seat safe to use? (checklist) en français Arabic
- Is your Child in the Right Seat? (postcard) en français Arabic
- How to Choose and Use Your Car Seat (video) en français Arabic
Visit the links below for more tips on car seat safety for your child:
- Car Seat Laws
- Car Seat Manufacturers
- Children and the Front Seat
- Children with Special Medical Needs
- For more information, watch our booster seat PSA.
- Watch our segment on CTV morning live about why big kids need a booster seat.
To chat with other parents and car seat safety volunteers, check out the Atlantic Car Seat Safety page on Facebook.