Booster Seat Installation

Does my child need a booster seat?

If you check both of the following points, your child is safest in a booster seat:

  • My child weighs between 40 and 80 lbs (18 – 36 kg).
  • My child is 9 years old or less.

 

Choosing a booster seat:

A booster seat can only be used with a lap-shoulder seat belt. To find the best booster for your child, decide where in the back seat your child will sit. Check to see if that vehicle seat has a headrest.

The vehicle does not have a headrest:

  • Choose a high back booster that gives the child head and neck support. Some models convert from a forward-facing car seat with a 5 point harness to a high back booster seat.
  • Or choose an adjustable booster that gives the child adjustable head and neck support as he/she grows.

 

The vehicle has a headrest:

  • Choose a high back booster, an adjustable booster or  backless booster that has a seat base with arm rests. This style of booster works well in a vehicle seat with a headrest.

 

Using a booster seat correctly:

Use a booster seat for every ride. You are using the booster seat correctly when you can check “yes” to all of the following points:

  • I have read the booster seat manual for the exact installation instructions.
  • I have read my vehicle owner’s manual on how to install a booster seat.
  • The booster seat is in the back seat of the vehicle.
  • I never place my child’s booster seat in front of an airbag.
  • The shoulder portion of the belt is always worn across the centre of my child’s chest.
  • If the booster seat is not equipped with UAS/LATCH connectors, I always buckle the seat up, regardless of if my child is occupying the seat, the prevent it from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

 

Moving to a seat belt:

Children are safest in a booster until they weigh 80 lbs or are 9 years old. It’s time to move to a seat belt if you can check “yes” to all the following points:

  • My child is sitting so his/her whole back is touching the back of the vehicle seat.
  • While sitting back, my child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat.
  • The lap portion of the belt is riding low across the hips, touching the tops of my child’s legs.
  • The shoulder portion of the belt is crossing between my child’s neck and arm.
  • My child can and will remain in this position for the entire trip.

 

Additional information can be found at www.boosterseats.ca