Car Seat Safety - Convertible Car Seats

• A convertible seat can be used in both rear facing and forward facing positions
• Rear-facing for children 2-10kg (5-22lbs); new convertible car seats can be used rear-facing up to 13.6-16kg (30-35lbs)
• Forward-facing for children one year of age, pulling to a stand unassisted, and 10-18kg (22-40lbs) or up to 101cm (40")  
• The label on the car seat should read, "Complies with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1"
• Some newer models of car seats can be used as infant, convertible, and booster seats. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the use of your seat
• Click on our Car Seat Seat Safety Fact Sheet for more information

 

Securing your child in the car seat

Rear facing position:

• Your baby's bottom and back should be flat against the back of car seat
• The shoulder harness should come through the back of the car seat at or slightly below your baby's shoulders.  The height of the harness must be adjusted as your baby grows
• The harness must lie flat on your baby's body, with no more than one finger fitting between your baby's collarbone and seat harness
• Chest clip should be placed at arm pit level; for newborns there should be at least 8 cm (3") below their chin

Forward facing position:

• Your child's bottom and back should be flat against the back of car seat
• The shoulder harness should come through the back of the car seat at or above your child's shoulders.  You will need to adjust the height of the harness as your child grows
• The harness must lie flat on your child's body with no more than one finger fitting between their collarbone and seat harness
• The chest clip should be placed at armpit level

 

 

Installing the seat in your vehicle

Rear facing position:

• Use the car seat in the most reclined position (45 degree angle)

Forward facing position:

• Use the car seat in the upright position (some models have a semi-reclined position for forward-facing seats).  A forward-facing car seat must be tethered to prevent the top of the car seat from moving forward or sideways in a sudden stop or collision
• All vehicles have designated tether anchor positions – refer to your vehicle instruction manual for the locations

For both positions:

• Check that approximately 80% of the base of the seat is firmly supported by the vehicle seat
• Newer vehicles have a LATCH/UAS system to hold a car seat in place.  The system is used in place of the seat belt.  If your vehicle does not have this system, install the car seat with the seat belt  
• Once the seat or base is secured to the seat, you should not be able to move it from front to back more than 1"

 

Outgrowing the convertible car seat:

• Your child outgrows the convertible car seat when they exceed the weight and height limits of the seat
• Children who exceed the height but not weight requirements of the convertible seat in the forward facing position must be moved to a combination seat (with a harness system and tether) until they reach a minimum of 18kg. (40lbs.)