​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When used corr​ectly, car seats and booster seats save lives and reduce injuries. Children can get hurt if their car seats or booster seats are not used properly. Here are some tips on how to choose or buy the right car seat or booster seat for your child.

Car seat stages​

1. rear-facing (car seat and child face the back of the car)
2. forward-facing (car seat and child face the front of the car)
3. booster (booster seat and child face the front of the car)
   

Many seats combine more than one stage, like a larger rear-facing car seat that you can change from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows. It is safest to keep your child in each stage for as long as possible. The rear-facing position is the safest, so don’t rush to have your child move into a forward-facing car seat. Check the car seat guidelines in Alberta for more information.

Comparing car seats and booster seats

Se​at type	What makes this good?	Things to think about
Infant seat with base (rear-facing only)	Has a carry handle. Easy to take out of vehicle, even with baby asleep. Seat base stays in vehicle. If done up correctly, it stays tight for every ride. May be sold as part of a travel system that includes a stroller.​ There are models that can be used for children up to 16 kg (35 lb.) or 81 cm (32 in.).	Can only be used rear-facing. When your baby outgrows their infant seat, move them into a larger rear-facing seat (see the different types below).
Rear-facing/ forward-facing (also called convertible car seat)	Can be used as a rear-facing seat and then changed into a forward-facing seat. Many models have higher rear-facing weight and height limits than rear-facing only seats. Some models may be used rear-facing for children up to 22.7 kg (50 lb.) or 110 cm (43 in.). A larger rear-facing seat helps keep your child in the safer rear-facing stage until 2, 3, or even 4 years old. After your child outgrows the rear-facing stage by height or weight, there are models that can be used forward-facing with the harness for children up to 30 kg (65 lb.) and 132 cm (52 in.).	May be hard to fit in some back seats in the rear-facing position. Ask to try the car seat in your vehicle before you buy it. Don’t rush to move your child to the forward-facing position. The rear-facing position is the safest.
Rear-facing/ forward-facing/ booster (also called 3-in-1)	Combines all 3 types of seats. Many models have higher rear-facing weight and height limits than rear-facing only seats. There are models that can be used rear-facing for children up to 22.7 kg (50 lb.) or 125 cm (49 in.).​ A larger rear-facing seat helps keep your child in the safer rear-facing stage until 2, 3, or even 4 years old.  After your child outgrows the rear-facing stage by height or weight, there are models that can be used forward-facing with the harness for children up to 30 kg (65 lb.) or 144 cm (57 in.), then used as a booster seat up to 54 kg (120 lb.) or 160 cm (63 in.).	May be hard to fit in some back seats in the rear-facing position. Ask to try the car seat in your vehicle before you buy it. Don’t rush to move your child to the forward-facing position. The rear-facing position is the safest. When used as a booster seat, a 3-in-1 seat may have lower height or weight limits than other types of booster seats​.
Forward-facing/ booster (also called combination or harnessed booster seat)	Combines a forward-facing car seat with a harness and a booster seat. There are models that can be used with the harness for children up to 30 kg (65 lb.) or 137 cm (54 in.) There are models that can be used as a booster seat for children up to 54 kg (120 lb.) or 160 cm (63 in.).	Can't be used rear-facing. Use the forward-facing seat with the harness until your child outgrows the height and weight limit for the harness.  Don't rush to move your child into the booster seat.
High-back booster	Offers head and neck protection. Good for vehicle seats without head rests. Some models can be adjusted as your child grows. There are models that can be used for children up to 54 kg (120 lb.) or 160 cm (63 in.).	Can only be used with lap-shoulder seat belts. Can only be used by children over 18 kg (40 lb.).
Backless booster	Costs less than a high-back booster. Good for vehicle seats with head rests. There are models that can be used for children up to 54 kg (120 lb.) or 160 cm (63 in.).	Can only be used with lap-shoulder seat belts. Can only be used by children over 18 kg (40 lb.).

Things to do before you buy a car seat or booster seat

Buy your car seat in Canada.

 

National Safety Mark sticker

All car seats and booster seats sold and used in Canada must have a National Safety Mark. The sticker is found on the side or bottom of the car seat. Car seats bought in the United States or another country will not have a National Safety Mark sticker and can’t be used in Alberta. Less expensive seats meet the same safety standards as higher priced seats.

Buy a seat that fits your child, with room to grow.

The manufacturer's instructions and labels on the car seat or booster seat state the weight and height of children that the seat will protect. Make sure your child’s weight and height are within these limits, with lots of room to grow.

Try the car seat.

Place your child in the car seat and buckle them up. If your baby is not born yet, use a doll or teddy bear. Adjust the harness. If you find it hard to adjust, try a different car seat. Since car seats come in many sizes, not all car seats fit in all vehicles. Ask to try the car seat in your vehicle before you buy it. The best car seat for you and your child is one that fits in your vehicle, and that you can and will use correctly every time.

Borrowing or buying a used car seat.

Buying a used car seat is not a good idea. Used seats may be missing parts, damaged, recalled,​ or expired. And they may not meet current safety standards. If you’re thinking about borrowing a car seat, make sure you find out its history. Any seat involved in a crash should be replaced. There may be no signs of damage, but small cracks or weakened areas can make the car seat unsafe.

Check for safety alerts and notices (recalls).

Call the car seat or booster seat manufacturer, or check their website, with the seat name, model number, and date of manufacture, to find out if your child's car seat or booster seat has any safety alerts or notices (recalls). Recall information is also available from Transport Canada online or at 1-800-333-0510.

After you buy a seat, check for how to use​ it correctly​.

• Infant car seat
  
• Rear-facing car seat
  
• Forward-facing car seat
  
• Booster seat​
  

If you still have questions call Health Link at 811.​