Installing a car seat can seem like a complicated task, but parents/caregivers are often pleasantly surprised at how easy it is once they know where to find the information they need. Keep these tips in mind:

–   Reading both your vehicle manual and car seat instructions are essential for knowing how to install and use your car seat

–   Your car seat should have a label indicating it meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) — look for a circular label with a maple leaf

–   Using a car seat that has a CMVSS label is required by law in Ontario; all new car seats sold in Canada have this label

–   It is easiest to install seats with two people — one person kneeling/pushing down on the car seat, while the second person tightens the LATCH (UAS/ISOFIX) or seat belt
 

–   After you have installed the seat, try to pull it towards the front of the vehicle and side to side where it is belted; it should not move more than 2.5 cm (1") 

–   Make sure a rear-facing infant seat is approximately at a 45 degree angle (usually an indicator is provided on the side of the seat)

–    For a forward-facing car seat, make sure the top tether strap is used and also has less than 2.5 cm (1") movement

–   Make sure the car seat harness straps are snug — you should only be able to fit one finger between the straps and your child's collar bone; the top of the chest clip should be at armpit level

For more information about the different types of car seats and which one is best for your child's weight, height and age, please see the following sections:

Infant car seats

Convertible car seats 

Combination car seats

Booster seats & seat belts

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

Fact sheets & related links

Car seat clinic information

For more information, please contact

York Region Health Connection at 1 800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933