General information

• A booster seat is designed to help position the vehicle seat belt properly across the child's chest and upper thighs where their body is the strongest
• The label should read, "Complies with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.2"
• If you have a choice to use a booster with a lap/shoulder seatbelt versus one that uses a lap-belt only, the lap/shoulder belt offers better protection for your child by preventing forward head movement during a crash
• When using a booster seat, it is important that the vehicle seat back or the high back booster gives your child proper head and neck support
• Do not use pillows, blankets or cushions as a booster
• Fasten the booster seat with the seat belt even when your child is not in it. During a sudden stop, an unbelted booster could move around the vehicle causing injury
• Click Booster Seats for more information

Types of Booster Seats

1. High Back Booster

·         It can be made of moulded plastic or covered high density foam

·         A high back booster seat must be used with a lap/shoulder seatbelt only

2. Backless booster

·         This style is used with a lap/shoulder belt

·         The lap belt is threaded under or through the arms of the seat which rests directly on the child's body

3. Shield Booster
   1. This type of booster seat is to be used when there is only a lap belt available
   2. The lap belt is positioned in a moulded recess on the front of the shield
   3. On some models, the shield can be removed in which case you can use the shoulder belt for better protection

Seat Belts

Transport Canada recommends children 13 and under sit in the back seat especially if there is a passenger side air bag. 

Not sure if you your child is ready for the adult seat belt? To help you decide, take the following test

1. Have your child sit up straight in the back seat and measure him / her from the tailbone to the top of the head.  The sitting height should be at least 74 cm (29").
2. Their standing height should be 1.45 m (4'9") tall
3. Knees should bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat
4. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the middle of your child's chest.  It should not touch the neck or face, nor should it be tucked under the arm or behind the back
5. The lap belt should fit low over the hip bones, under your child's belly area

Please note:  The seat belt adjusters are not regulated by Transport Canada.  A seat belt adjuster pulls the shoulder and lap belts together and secures them with straps.  In doing this, it often pulls the lap belt over the child's abdomen increasing the risk of serious injury.