Car Seats

Rear-facing is all about the seat's maximum weight and height limits not just the minimum age. Transport Canada recommends that your baby be sitting rear-facing as long as possible, usually until your kid is 2-4 years old depending on the seat.

It's all about when your child outgrows the rear-facing seat. They need to weigh at least 10 kg (22 lbs) before moving forward-facing in their car seat and if they do end up in the forward-facing position with their knees bent against the car seat back, that is still ok but that can be a sign that it is time to start thinking about moving the car seat to forward facing. Rear facing is better as long as possible and comfortable for your child. Always review the Transport Canada guidelines and car seat manufacturer guidelines before turning your child to the forward facing car seat position.

Convertible car seats are bigger and they stay in the car and can cover all the different growing stages of your child from rear-facing through forward-facing, and sometimes even booster seat for older childen. Look for the all in 1 convertible car seats that grow with your child from birth to kindergarten age.

Convertible seats are a more cost-effective option in the long run while portable seats are a great choice if you're after day-to-day convenience for your newborn.

Portable infant car seats that you carry with you from the house to the car. They connect easily to stroller frames and the car seat base. They are useful for newborns primarily.

Yes, Car seats are required for toddlers in Canada because they provide critical protection in the event of a crash.

Laws typically mandate that toddlers ride in appropriate car seats or booster seats until they reach a certain age, height, or weight before they can use a normal car seat belt.

* It is important to follow the specific legal requirements where you live, as well as to use a car seat that matches your child’s current size and developmental needs to ensure maximum safety. Be sure to read the car seat manual and refer to Transport Canada to ensure that your child is as safe as possible in the car.

Stage 1 (rear-facing car seat): Use the rear facing car seat from Birth until the seat's rear-facing weight/height limits are reached. Check your car seat manual for car installation instructions and Transport Canada car seat guidelines for further instructions on age appropriate car safety.

Stage 2 (forward-facing car seat): Generally, once your child exceeds 10 kg (22 lb) and outgrows rear-facing limits. Use a Transport Canada approved car seat with a secure saftey harness and top tether to secure the car seat to the car. Be sure to check your car seat manual for properly installation and Transport Canada car seat guidelines for further instructions on age appropriate car safety.

Stage 3 (booster car seat ): Generally, once your child exceeds 18 kg (40 lb) and outgrows the forward-facing harness. Belt-positioning booster car seats help the vehicle seat belt fit correctly on the car booster seat. This protects your child during sudden stops and side impacts. Check your car seat manual and Transport Canada car seat guidelines for further instructions on age appropriate car safety.

Stage 4 (your car seat belt): Generally, when your child reaches about 36 kg (80 lb) or 145 cm (4 ft 9 in), and the seat belt fits properly without a booster car seat. Back seat belts are used when children outgrow booster seats. Check your car seat manual and Transport Canada car seat guidelines for further instructions on age appropriate car safety.

Yes, provincial rules on car seat can differ across Canada. Each province has different rules, age limits, and height/weight restrictions for car seats. In Ontario, kids under 8 have to use a car seat or booster seat, but other provinces have different ages, weights and heights. Always check the specific rules for where you live, as well as federal Transport Canada standards. What works in one province won't necessarily work in another if you are travelling across the country by car or moving to another province. Check the provincial child car seat requirements before you go to be informed and safe.