BOOSTER SEATS

 

Choosing & Using a Booster Seat

 

Choosing a booster for your child

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 head rest (head restraint).

For vehicles without head rests:

An adjustable booster gives a child head and neck support as he grows.

A high back booster gives head and neck support.  Some models convert from a forward-facing seat with a harness to a high back booster seat.

For vehicles with head rests:

A backless booster that has a seat base with arm rests is a safe option.  Adjustable and high-back boosters can also be used.
Using a booster correctly

Use the booster seat for every ride. You are using the booster correctly if:

  • You have read the booster seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual for proper use and installation information,
  • The booster seat is in the back of the vehicle,
  • The booster seat is never placed in front of an airbag, AND
  • The shoulder portion of the belt is always worn across the centre of the child's chest.

To confirm that you are using your child's booster seat correctly, Take the Booster Seat YES Test!

Moving to a seat belt

Children under 9 years of age who weigh between 40 and 80lb (18 - 36 kg) or measure less than 4'9'' (145 cm) are safest in a booster seat. To check if it’s time to move to a seat belt, have your child sit on the back seat with the lap-shoulder belt buckled.  It's time to move to a seat belt if all of the following statements are true:

  • Your child can sit so his whole back is touching the back of the vehicle seat,
  • When sitting back, your child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat,
  • The lap portion of the seat belt is riding low across the hips, touching the tops of your child's legs,
  • The shoulder portion of the belt is crossing between your child's neck and arm, AND
  • Your child can and will remain in this position for the entire trip.

Remember, kids 12 and under are safest riding in the back seat.

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