Is your child itching to get out of their car seat? We’re sure that as your child grows more independent, they grow more anxious to get out of their car seat, but are they ready?
Following the Law
The Highway Traffic Act requires you to use a forward-facing car seat until your child weighs at least 18 kg. It’s important to remember that this is a minimum requirement; check your car seat manufacturer’s weight and height limits to see how long you can keep your child in their car seat before upgrading to a booster seat.
Why do you need a booster seat?
A booster seat raises your child in a car seat so that adult seatbelts can better protect them. They protect your child better than a seat belt alone and should always be installed in the back seat of a car.
The Highway Traffic Act in Ontario mandates a booster seat if your child is under the age of 8 and weights between 18-36 kg and is shorter than 145 cm.
When can your child move from a booster seat to a vehicle’s seatbelt?
When your child can sit all the way against the back of the seat with their legs comfortably over the edge and maintain this position the entire trip, they will be ready to stop using their booster seat. You should also check that they can have the shoulder strap lie flat against their chest and that their lap belt crosses the hips rather than the stomach.
Now that you know how to keep your child safe while you’re driving, make sure your booster seat is installed properly. Questions about booster seats and safety? Ask us in the comment section below!
