Car seat resources are available in many languages. Visit translated resources​ t​o see ​which docum​ents, videos, and languages are a​vailable.

Alberta law

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​According​​ to the law in Alberta, the driver must make sure passengers under 16 years of age are buckled up correctly.

For children under 18 kg (40 lb.) a​nd under 6 ye​ars of age the law says:

• an appropriate child safety seat must be used
• the child safety seat must be correctly installed in the vehicle
• the child must be properly secured into the seat

Using a car seat prop​erly can reduce the risk of injury by up to 82% and risk of death by up to 71%.

Car seat stages

Many seats combine more than one stage. It is safest to keep your child in each stage for as long as possible.

View the printable Is your child in the right car seat? for a 1-page overview of which type of seat to use for your child.

​The video and the “Is your child in the right car seat?” overview have been translated into many different languages. See which other languages are available.​

Rear-facing car seats

Forward-facing car seats

Booster seats

An adult seat belt alone does not properly fit a child’s body—it rides too high on the belly and neck. This can cause serious injuries in a crash. A booster seat helps the seat belt safely fit a child’s body.

Is your car seat or booster seat safe to use?

Whatever car seat stage your child is in, these checks will help you decide if the seat is safe to use:

• Check that your seat is approved for use in Canada. Look for the National Safety Mark on the car seat or booster seat.

• Read the labels and instructions to make sure your child is within the height, weight, and ​age limits for the seat.
• If your seat is second-hand, make sure you have all of the parts, including the instruction booklet.
• Know the history of the seat. Most seats must be replaced after a crash, even a minor one.
• Check Transport Canada’s website for recalls.
• Check the expiry date on your seat. All car seats and booster seats expire.

See the checklist: Getting Started: Is your car seat or booster seat safe to use? for more information.

Make every ride a safe ride

1. Read the instructions that came with your car seat or booster seat and the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.
2. Use these resources to help you install and use your car seat or booster seat correctly:
   
   • Infant car seat
   • Rear-facing car seat
   • Forward-facing car seat
   • Booster seat
​As a parent or caregiver, you can learn the knowledge and skills to transport your child safely.​​

 

If you have a preterm or low birth weight baby, take extra care to choose a car seat that's right for a preterm or low birth weight baby. Use it for every ride. 

If you are not sure if your baby is preterm or low birth weight, talk to your healthcare provider.

Make every ride a safe ride for your baby. Review the information on infant car seats and rear-facing car seats to install and use your car seat. An infant (rear-facing only) car seat is a safer choice for preterm or low birth weight babies. Use the information below to make sure your car seat fits your baby’s small size.

Helpful tips for using your car seat with a preterm or low birth weight baby

 

• The car seat's lowest shoulder harness slots should be less than 25 cm (10 inches) from the bottom of the seat.
• The slot for the crotch strap should be less than 14 cm (5.5 inches) from the back of the seat.
• Make sure your car seat is safe to use.

• Make sure your baby's buttocks and back are flat against the back of the car seat.
• If your baby needs help staying in the centre of the car seat, place a small, rolled-up receiving blanket or towel on either side of their body.
• If your baby slides down in the seat, call the car seat manufacturer to find out if you can place a small, rolled-up receiving blanket or towel between your baby’s legs and the crotch strap.
• Take your baby out of the car seat when you arrive. A car seat is not a safe place for your baby to sleep.

For more information, visit Healthy Parents, Healthy Children or call Health Link at 811.​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Printable Version

A rear-facing seat gives the best protection for your child’s head, neck, and spine in a sudden stop or crash. When your baby outgrows the infant (rear-facing only) seat, use a larger, rear-facing seat.

Rear-facing car seats include infant (rear-facing only) car seats, as well as larger rear-facing seats that you can change from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows.

Who should be in a rear-facing car seat?

• Infants and young children are safest in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for rear-facing use allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Find these limits on the car seat's stickers or in the instruction manual.
• Your child is safest in the larger rear-facing car seat until they are 2, 3, or even 4 years old, as long as they are still under the maximum height or weight limit for rear-facing use.
• Keep your child rear facing for as long as they still fit the larger, rear-facing seat. Don't rush to move your child to a forward-facing car seat. The rear-facing position is the safest.

How to use your child’s rear-facing car seat

 

See the printable Rear-facing car seat: How to keep your child safe in the car for information about how to use a rear-facing car seat.

Always read your vehicle manual and follow the instructions for your seat.

• Place the car seat in the back seat, facing the back of the vehicle.
• Attach the seat using the lower anchors (UAS) or seat belt and tighten. If you use the seat belt, it must be locked.
• The seat should move less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) where it is attached to the car.
• Adjust the seat to recline at the correct angle. Check your instructions.

• Make sure the harness straps are in the slot level with or below your child’s shoulders.
• Tighten the harness straps. You should not be able to pinch the harness at the shoulder.
• The harness should be flat with no twists.
• Place the chest clip at your child’s armpit level.

Helpful tips for using your rear-facing car seat

 

• If you are using a seat that can be used in different ways, read the instructions to find out how to set it up for rear facing.
• Read the instructions to find out how to change the angle on your car seat. Some seats may be installed more upright for an older baby or toddler.
• Make sure your child’s head is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the seat. It is safe for your child’s feet to touch the back seat of the car.
• Make sure your car seat is safe to use.

When is your child ready for the next car seat?

 

• Check the labels on your seat to find out when your child will reach the seat’s height or weight limits.
• Keep your child rear facing for as long as they still fit the larger, rear-facing seat.
• Your child is safest riding rear facing until 2, 3, or even 4 years old, as long as they still fit within the height and weight limits for the seat.
• When your child outgrows their larger rear-facing car seat by height or weight, they should move to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Printable Version

A forward-facing car seat uses a 5-point harness to spread the force of a sudden stop or crash over the strongest parts of your child’s body. This seat protects a child who has outgrown their larger, rear-facing seat.

Forward-facing car seats include the larger rear-facing seat that you can change to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows. They also include car seats that can change from a forward-facing car seat with a harness into a booster seat.

Who should be in a forward-facing car seat?

• A forward-facing seat protects a child who has outgrown their larger rear-facing seat. Your child is safest in the larger rear-facing car seat until they are 2, 3, or even 4 years old, as long as they are still under the maximum height or weight limit for rear-facing use.
• Keep your child in a 5-point harness until they weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb.) and are able to sit correctly. This may be at 4, 5, or even 6 years old. Some forward-facing seats can be used with a harness for children weighing up to 30 kg (65 lb.).
• If your child outgrows this seat before they are ready, you will need a 5-point harness seat that will hold a taller, heavier child.

How to use your child’s forward-facing car seat

 

See the printable Forward-facing car seat: How to keep your child safe in the car for information about how to use your child’s forward-facing car seat.

Always read your vehicle manual and follow the instructions for your seat.

• Place the car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Attach the seat using the lower anchors (UAS) or the seat belt and tighten. If you use the seat belt, it must be locked.
• Attach the top tether.
• The seat should move less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) where it is attached to the car.

• Make sure the harness straps are in the slot level with or above your child’s shoulders.
• Tighten the harness straps. You should not be able to pinch the harness at the shoulder.
• The harness should be flat with no twists.
• Place the chest clip at your child’s armpit level.

Helpful tips for using your forward-facing car seat

 

• If you are using a seat that can be used in different ways, read the instructions to find out how to set it up for forward facing.
• Always use the top tether. Check your vehicle manual to find out where the tether anchors are.
• It is safest to wait until your child is at least 2 years old before using a forward-facing seat. Some seats cannot be used before 2 years old. Check your instructions.
• Make sure your car seat is safe to use.

When is your child ready for the next seat?

 

• Check the labels on your seat to find out when your child will reach the seat’s height or weight limits.
• Keep your child in a 5-point harness until they weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb.).
• Before moving to a booster seat, your child must be able to sit straight and tall without moving around or unbuckling.
• If your child outgrows the 5-point harness before they are ready for a booster seat, you will need a forward-facing seat that will hold a taller, heavier child.
• Some 5-point harness seats will safely hold a child who is 5, 6, or even 7 years old.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Printable Version

A booster seat lifts your child up so that the seat belt fits across the strongest bones and away from the soft belly. Without a booster seat, an adult seat belt rides too high on a child's belly and neck. This can cause serious injuries to a child in a crash. A child is 3 times more likely to be hurt in a crash when using an adult seat belt alone than when buckled in a booster seat. To use a booster seat, your child must weigh at least 18 kg (40 pounds) and be able to sit correctly.

Who should be in a booster seat?

 

• When your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat with a harness by height or weight, they should move into a booster seat.
• Your child must weigh at least 18 kg (40 pounds) to use a booster seat.
• Your child must be able to sit straight and tall for the whole ride without moving around or unbuckling.
• Use a booster seat until your child is at least 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall and fits the seat belt correctly.
• A child is safest in a booster seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of the booster seat. Find these limits on the booster seat's stickers or in the instruction manual.

How to use your child’s booster seat

 

See the printable Booster seat: How to keep your child safe in the car for information about how to use your child’s booster seat.

• Always read your vehicle manual and follow the instructions for your seat.
• Place the booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Make sure your child has support behind the head to the tops of the ears. If the vehicle does not have head support to the tops of your child’s ears, use a high-back booster seat.
• Tuck the lap belt and the shoulder belt under the arm rests for most booster seats.
• Make sure the shoulder belt crosses the chest and stays between your child’s neck and shoulder. If the shoulder belt does not rest between your child’s neck and shoulder, use a booster seat that has a shoulder belt guide.
• The lap belt should fit low and snug across your child’s hips.
• An adult should check every time a child buckles their own booster seat.
• Make sure your booster seat is safe to use.

Is your child ready to stop using a booster seat?

 

Until your child can meet these 5 steps, keep using a booster seat on every ride:

1. Is your child at least 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall?
2. When your child is sitting all the way back, do their knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?
3. Does the lap belt stay low across the hips?
4. Does the shoulder belt cross the chest and stay between the neck and shoulder?
5. Can your child sit like this for the whole trip without slouching?

If you answered “Yes” to all 5 of these questions, your child may be ready for a seat belt alone. Learn more about using a seat belt alone for your child.

​Printable Version

 

Once your child is taller than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches), it may be time to move to a regular seat belt. If a child does not yet fit the seat belt as described below, use a booster seat. A booster seat boosts a child up so that the seat belt fits across the strongest bones and away from the soft belly. Children who use a seat belt before they are ready are at risk for injuries to the head, neck, spinal cord, and internal organs.

Your child is safest in the back seat until they are 13 years old.

Is your child ready for a seat belt alone?

Until your child can meet these 5 steps, keep using a booster seat on every ride:

1. Is your child at least 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall?
2. When your child is sitting all the way back, do their knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?
3. Does the lap belt stay low across the hips?
4. Does the shoulder belt cross the chest and stay between the neck and shoulder?
5. Can your child sit like this for the whole trip without slouching?

If you answered “Yes” to all 5 of these questions, your child may be ready for a seat belt alone.

Check your child’s position and the fit of the seat belt in every vehicle. A child may pass all 5 steps to use a seat belt in one car, but still need to use a booster seat in another vehicle.

How your child’s seat belt should fit

 

• Your child is safest sitting in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Make sure your child has support behind the head to the tops of the ears.
• Make sure the shoulder belt crosses the chest and stays between your child’s neck and shoulder.
• The lap belt should fit low and snug across your child’s hips.
• Your child’s knees should bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat when sitting all the way back.

​When used correctly, 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 use the te​ther strap for all forward-facing car seats and how to use the universal anchorage system (UAS) to secure any car seat in your vehicle.

All car seats are safest in the back seat.

Tether strap​ 

When used forward-facing, a car seat must be held in place with both a tether strap and either the UAS or the seat belt.

The tether strap is on the back of the car seat. It must be hooked to a tether anchor in the vehicle.

Always use the tether strap when installing your child’s forward-facing car seat. If a tether strap isn’t used, your child is more likely to be hurt in a crash, as their head will move dangerously forward.

Check your car seat instructions to find the tether strap and hook, and to learn how to attach and tighten the tether strap. The tether strap must be tight. It may need to be doubled back to prevent it from slipping or coming undone.

Tether anchors
Check the section on car seat installation in your vehicle owner's manual to find where the tether anchors are in your vehicle.

Tether anchors may be marked with this symbol in your vehicle:

​Universal anchorage system (UAS)​​

All new car seats come with a UAS belt and connectors.

Using the UAS is recommended when there are lower UAS anchor bars in the seat where you want to install the car seat. Using the UAS is easier than using a seat belt and can help you get a tighter, safer fit.

Seats in your vehicle with UAS anchor bars may be marked with this symbol:

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When used correctly, car seats save lives and reduce injuries. Children sometimes get restless in their car seat but there are ways to keep your child safe and happy as you travel.​

Use a car seat from the start

Children should ride in car seats for every ride. Those who do are more likely to stay in their seats when they're toddlers and preschoolers. Start the “buckle-up” habit early so children learn that car seats are an important part of any ride in a vehicle.

Be consistent

Buckle your child into the car seat correctly for every ride, no matter how short the trip.

Set an example

Buckle your seat belt every time you get into the vehicle. Parents are great role models. Children learn from what you do.

Bring fun things for your child to do in the car

Have soft toys, activities, books, or music in the vehicle to keep your child busy. Change the toys often to keep your child's interest. You may have a few toys that your child plays with only in the car. This can make a car ride something your child looks forward to. Store toys safely so they won't fly around and hit someone in case of a sudden stop or crash.

Make sure your child is comfortable

Dress your child so they'll be snug and warm in the car seat. Use as few layers as possible between your child's body and the shoulder straps. Check that the straps are snug each time. A blanket or cover can be placed on top of your child once they are properly secured in the car seat. In the winter, use thin, warm layers like fleece or a light snowsuit. If using bulky or puffy winter clothing, compress the material to make sure that the harness system is tight.

Try riding in the back seat yourself. Is it too hot or too cold? You may want to use a see-through window shade for when the sun shines in the back or side windows. Some children are happier when their shoes and socks are off.

Encourage your child to look out the window

Car seats and booster seats lift children up so they can see out the window. Children like it when they can see what's going on. For infants, tape bright images in the vehicle to catch their eye. For older children, make it a game by playing I Spy.

“When will we get there?”

Exact answers such as “after lunch”, “when it gets dark”, or “when this tape (song, story) is over”, mean more to a child than “soon”.

Be firm with your child

All children will try to get out of their car seat at one time or another. If this happens when you're driving, pull over to a safe spot and stop the vehicle. Tell your child that they need to stay in the car seat, then buckle them back in. The important thing is to stay calm and be kind, but stay firm. Your child will learn that the vehicle won't move unless everyone is buckled up.

When toddlers are learning to be more independent, they may try to get out of their car seat, just because they can. They're not trying to be bad. They're just trying out their new power to make things happen. Use the same strategy as above. You may have to repeat it several times.

Keep a small book in the glove box, or a favourite book or activity on your smartphone. This will give you something to do while you're waiting in your safe spot off the road for your child to lose interest in struggling. It will help you stay calm and keep you from getting into a power struggle with your child.

Travel hints for longer trips

Children can get bored or tired after spending a long time in the vehicle. If you're planning a longer road trip with young children:

• Plan to stop for breaks along the way. You'll have to make bathroom stops and diaper changes anyway. If the weather allows, get the kids out and enjoy some fresh air, snacks, and activities. Pack some toys, balls, or games to play with at your rest stop.
• Music, audiobooks, travel-sized games, movies, and electronics can be great for keeping kids of all ages happy while on the road.
  
• Think up travel games like I Spy or identifying and counting games (types of vehicles, licence plates, road signs, or flags).
  
• Keep snacks like crackers, cereal, cheese, and fruit (fresh or dried) in the vehicle in easy-to-use containers. For drinks, bring some water and unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices.
  
• Remember to secure everything while driving so things won't fly around and hit people in case of a sudden stop or crash.
  

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Alberta Health Services has translated car seat information into many languages. If your language is not available, call Health Link at 811. Health Link offers support in more than 240 languages. If you need an interpreter, just say the language you need.​​