Baby Safety

Car Seats

Use an infant/child car seat every time your child travels in a car. Car seats are required by law and must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).

When buying a child car seat:

• Look for the CMVSS label. Do not buy a child seat in the United States – it will not have this label.
• Make sure you get the right type of child seat for your child’s age and weight. Your child should be in a rear facing seat until 12 months of age. Click here to learn about the different types of car seats.
• Look for a child seat that is easy to use and fits in your vehicle.
• Try it in your vehicle before buying it. Be sure it is easy to use so you will use it correctly every time.
• Look for a child seat with at least two sets of shoulder harness strap slots to allow room for growth. Make sure they are easy to adjust.

It is recommended that you do not buy a second‑hand child seat. If you do, the child seat should be inspected and checked for any possible recalls. Make sure a second‑hand child seat meets CMVSS standards. Do not use a child seat that has been in a crash or has passed the expiration date stamped on the seat. If no expiration date is present, check with the child seat manufacturer. For more information, call Transport Canada at 1‑800‑333‑0371.

You can also get more information about car seats from the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation. They offer “New Parent Car Seat Workshops.” A workshop will help you correctly install your child’s seat and show you how to use it properly. For more information call BCAA’s Child Car Seat Information Line at 1‑877‑247‑5551 or visit the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation website.

Correct Installation:

• Never place a rear‑facing child seat in a vehicle seat equipped with an active air bag. Place the car seat in the back seat.
• Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and the instructions that come with your child seat. They contain important information for safe installation of the seat.
• Lower the carrying handle behind the infant seat.
• Maintain the correct reclining angle for the child seat. The back of the rear‑facing seat should be tilted back to a maximum of 45 degrees so the baby’s head and body lie back comfortably. If your baby’s head falls forward, the seat is too upright.
• Secure the child seat with the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) or with the adult seat belt and, if necessary, use a locking clip.
• If you are securing the child seat with your vehicle’s lap belt, make sure it is long enough to go through the child seat’s frame or over the seat according to the instructions.
• For more information on installation, visit the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation website.