Car Seat Safety - Injury Prevention - Toronto Public Health

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Glossary of terms

Injury Prevention

Types of car seats

Booster seats are required by law for children over 18 kg (40 lbs.) up to 36.3 kg (80 lbs.).

Booster seats position the adult seat belt correctly over a child's chest and hip bones, which are the strongest parts of the body.

A “no-back booster seat ” can be used if your vehicle seat provides your child with head and neck support. If this booster seat raises your child so the middle of the ear is above the back of the vehicle seat and head-rest, a “high-back booster” seat is recommended.

Safety tips:

For all car seats, check the tips for choosing the right car seat, installing and using it safely and other safer ride ideas.
Always refer to manufacturer's instructions for how to install and use.
The safest place for a child in a vehicle is in the back seat.
Choose a booster seat with the highest height/weight limit.
The adult lap belt should be positioned low across the child's hips. The shoulder belt should lie flat across the chest.
See guidelines about when to move your child from a booster to an adult seat belt system.

Does your child need a booster seat? (PDF)

Last updated April 2011