How to install a car seat

In Canada, it’s the law: children need to be buckled up in the right car seat designed for their height and weight. Child car seats, booster seats, and seat belts do a great job of preventing injuries and saving lives. But here’s the thing—some experts say only about 15% of car seats are installed correctly. That’s a pretty scary statistic when you think about how much we depend on child safety seats to keep our little ones safe. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered with tips on how to install a car seat the right way, plus plenty of other useful information to keep your children safe.

How to install a rear-facing car seat

Always make sure to install the rear-facing seat in the back seat of your car. The front dash has airbags, and while they’re great for protecting adults, they’re way too powerful for kids. If they go off during a crash, they can seriously hurt your little one. So, the back seat only—it’s the safest spot.

All infants need to ride in a rear-facing car seat—it’s the safest option for protecting their head, neck, and spine in a sudden stop or crash. Here's how to install it:

Method 1: Anchoring the seat

Many car seats have a built-in belt with two hooks that latch onto metal bars near your car’s rear seat belt area. These are part of your car’s universal anchorage system (UAS). All vehicles made after 2002 have them in the back seats. Snap the hooks or connectors from your rear-facing car seat onto the designated lower anchor bars. Once they’re in place, press down on the car seat or base with some force to make it snug, and then tighten the UAS strap until the seat feels secure.

If you're not sure how to use the anchors, check your vehicle owner's manual. If the car seat has built-in locking clips, follow the instructions in the manual to use them properly.

Method 2: Using the seat belt

If you can’t use the UAS lower anchor bars—maybe your vehicle doesn’t have them, or you’re installing the car seat without its base—you’ll need to use the seat belt instead. If you’re installing an infant car seat without a removable base, always use the seat belt to keep it secure. Here's what you need to do:

A. Thread the seat belt correctly

Make sure to pass the seat belt through the correct path—check the label on your car seat to confirm. Convertible car seats often have two belt paths: one for rear-facing and one for forward-facing. If you're not sure where the seat belt needs to go, double-check the instructions for your car seat and vehicle.

B. Lock the seat belt

A locked seat belt keeps the car seat tight once it’s installed. In most cars, you can lock the belt by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out and then letting it retract slightly. If you're unsure how to lock the seat belt in your car, check your vehicle owner’s manual to learn how.

C. Buckle and Tighten the Seat Belt

Once the belt is threaded through the correct path, insert the tongue into the seat belt buckle. To tighten, grab the belt near the buckle, push down on the car seat with your other hand, and pull the shoulder belt tight.

Attaching the infant carrier

Most infant car seats come in two parts: the base (which stays in the car) and the infant carrier (which you can remove). To separate them, look for a lever or button—most seats make this pretty easy. Just check the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure.

Once the base is secure, pop the infant carrier back into place, making sure it faces the rear. You’ll hear a satisfying click when it’s locked in. Practice removing and reattaching the carrier a couple of times to get the hang of it. Don’t forget to check the manual for the correct position for the carrying handle while driving.

Double-checking the angle

Rear-facing car seats need to sit at the right angle to keep your baby safe and comfortable, especially for newborns who need a more reclined position to help them breathe.

Look for the level indicator on the infant base or car seat—it’ll show you if the angle is correct based on your child’s weight, height, or age. If it’s not quite right, adjust the base. Some have a built-in mechanism for this, but if yours doesn’t, you can use a rolled towel or pool noodle under the seat (if the manufacturer allows it). Also, don’t forget to update the angle or switch to a larger rear-facing car seat as your baby grows!

Remember, the key is to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible, as long as they’re within the seat’s weight and height limits. This might mean staying rear-facing in a larger rear-facing car seat until they’re two, three, or even four years old. It’s all about giving them the best protection while they’re still growing! Just make sure your child’s head stays at least 2.5 centimetres below the top of the car seat—that’s key for safety. And don’t worry if their feet touch the back seat; that’s perfectly safe!

Taking a little extra time to install your car seat correctly makes a big difference in keeping your child safe on the road. And if you’re ever in doubt, your local car seat inspection station can help you out!

How to install a forward-facing car seat

Now that we've covered how to install a rear-facing car seat let's move on to a forward-facing seat. When your child outgrows their larger rear-facing car seat—and is at least two years old—it's time to switch them to a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness. Here are the methods to install it:

1. Seat belt and top anchor

Look for the openings on the back or bottom of the car seat where the seat belt goes through. Thread the belt through those openings, buckle it on the other side, and make sure it’s not twisted or bunched up. Push down firmly on the car seat while pulling the belt tight to lock it in place. If you're unsure how to lock the seat belt in your car, check your vehicle owner’s manual to learn how.

Next, many forward-facing car seats have a tether strap that hooks onto a metal anchor behind the vehicle’s seat. If yours does, pull the tether over the top of the seat, find the anchor point (check your vehicle manual if you’re unsure), and latch it on. Tighten the tether strap securely—this helps limit your child’s head movement in a crash.

2. Universal anchorage system (UAS)

If your car seat uses the universal anchorage system (UAS), locate the two metal hooks attached to the straps at the bottom of the car seat. These hooks latch onto designated anchor points where the vehicle’s seat back and bottom meet. Once latched, pull the straps to tighten.

Some UAS-compatible car seats also include a tether strap or a spot to thread the seat belt. If that’s the case, double-check the manufacturer's rules to see if you can use these features along with the UAS system for extra security.

No matter which method you use, always double-check the car seat to ensure it’s snug and doesn’t move more than an inch in any direction. Keeping it secure makes all the difference in keeping your child safe on the road.

Remember, keep them in the harness as long as possible until they weigh at least 18 kg (40 lbs) and can sit straight and stay in position without wiggling or unbuckling. For many kids, this happens around age four, five, or even six. If your child outgrows their forward-facing seat before they’re ready to sit correctly, look for a 5-point harness designed for taller or heavier kids to keep them safe and secure. It’s worth the extra effort!

How to use a booster seat

When your child weighs at least 18 kg (40 lbs), is at least four years old, and has outgrown their forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness, it might be time to switch to a belt-positioning booster seat. But remember—your child needs to be able to sit properly in the booster seat to use it safely. Otherwise, you'll need to look for a larger 5-point harness forward-facing car seat or possibly a high-back belt-positioning booster seat until they're ready.

A booster seat works by positioning your child so the seat belt fits securely across their strong hips and pelvis, not their abdomen, to help prevent injuries.

Make sure to follow the booster seat’s instructions to route the seat belt properly—under armrests or through belt guides, as needed. Taking these steps ensures your child is both comfortable and protected on every ride. Keep your child(ren) in the booster until they fit an adult seat belt correctly, which for most kids is somewhere between nine and 12 years old.

Making sure your child’s seat belt fits properly

Making sure the vehicle seat belt fits your child properly is key to keeping them safe—whether they’re still in a car seat, using a booster, or transitioning to a regular seat. Here’s what to check:

Position

Your child should sit all the way back against the seat, with their knees bending naturally over the edge.

Lap belt

It should fit snugly across the hips, not the stomach, to help protect them during a collision.

Shoulder strap

It should be tight enough to stay in place during an accident but still comfortable. It should rest across the chest and shoulder, never under the arm or behind the back.

Teaching your child how to use a seat belt correctly from a young age helps them become safer passengers now and more responsible drivers later. Make sure they understand these rules before they move to the front seat—it’s a big step, but safety always comes first!

How long are car seats good for?

Wondering how long car seats are good for? You may not know this, but every car seat has an expiration date. The exact time frame depends on the manufacturer, but finding it is easy. Check the bottom of the seat, where the expiration date is often printed. Sometimes, it’s stamped into the frame instead.

If you can’t find the expiration date, just reach out to the manufacturer—they’ll be able to help you out. It’s important to know so you can make sure your little one is always riding safely!

How to choose the right child car seat for your child

By now, you’ve learned that there are three main types or stages of car seats for kids:

• Rear-facing: The car seat and child face the back of the car
• Forward-facing: The car seat and child face the front
• Booster: The booster seat and child face the front

Some car seats are designed to grow with your child, combining more than one stage. For example, a larger rear-facing car seat might convert to a forward-facing seat as your child gets bigger.

The key is to keep your child in each stage as long as possible for maximum safety. Rear-facing is the safest position, so don’t be in a hurry to move to a forward-facing seat. Taking it slow helps protect your little ones as they grow! Here are some tips to help you buy the right car seat:

Buy one that fits your child

Check the manufacturer’s instructions and the labels on your car seat or booster—they’ll tell you the weight and height limits for the seat. Make sure your child fits within those limits and still has plenty of room to grow. Keeping an eye on this ensures they stay safe and comfortable!

Try the car seat first

Always try the car seat in your car before buying it. The best car seat is one that fits your child, works with your vehicle, and is easy for you to use correctly every single time. Safety and ease of use are what matter most!

When you’re ready to test out the seat, place your child in it and buckle them up. If your baby hasn’t arrived yet, you can use a doll or teddy bear to practice. Adjust the harness to make sure it fits securely. If it’s hard to adjust or doesn’t seem to fit well in your car, try a different model. Car seats come in all shapes and sizes, and not every seat works with every vehicle.

Buy it in Canada

In Canada, every car seat and booster seat must have a National Safety Mark—a sticker you’ll find on the side or bottom of the seat. Seats bought in the U.S. or other countries won’t have this sticker and can’t be used in Canada. The good news? Less expensive seats meet the same safety standards as pricier ones.

Don't buy used

Buying a used car seat isn’t the best idea. It could be missing parts, damaged, recalled, expired, or not meet current safety standards. Any car seat that’s been in a crash should be replaced, even if it looks fine. Hidden damage, like tiny cracks or weakened areas, can make it unsafe. When it comes to your child’s safety, it’s always better to be cautious and choose a seat you can trust.

Check for recalls or safety alerts

To check if your child’s car seat or booster has any safety alerts or recalls, reach out to the manufacturer. You’ll need the seat’s name, model number, and date of manufacture—this info is usually on a label on the seat. You can call them directly or check their website.

You can also find recall information on Transport Canada’s website or by calling 1-800-333-0510. It’s a quick step that helps ensure your little one is as safe as possible!

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Transiting to the front passenger seat

Sitting in the front seat is a big milestone for kids, but it’s a privilege that comes with safety rules. These rules can vary depending on where you live. For example, children should wait until they’re at least 13 years old in Ontario and out of their booster seats before riding up front. This is because airbags, while lifesaving for adults, can be dangerous for younger passengers. Plus, drivers are responsible for making sure anyone under 16 is buckled up. Here are some tips to keep your child safe when they’re ready for the front seat:

• Adjust the seat so it’s as far back from the airbag as possible while still giving them enough room to sit comfortably.
• Make sure they sit up straight, with their back against the seat. No, leaning against the door, playing with the radio, or putting their feet on the dashboard—it’s all about staying safe.

Whether you’re in Ontario or anywhere else with similar car seat laws, like Alberta, safety always comes first. Moving to the front seat is just as exciting as graduating from a car seat to a booster or seat belt, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. Follow these tips, drive carefully, and make sure you have proper liability insurance for peace of mind on the road.

Common car seat mistakes to avoid

Remember how we mentioned earlier that some experts say only about 15% of car seats are installed correctly? Here are some common car seat mistakes to help you avoid becoming part of that statistic:

Installing the car seat in the wrong spot

As we've already mentioned, the safest spot for your child’s car seat is in the back seat—NOT the front seat—to keep it away from active airbags. Front seat airbags are designed to protect adult-sized passengers, and if they inflate with a car seat in the front, it can be extremely dangerous—even causing serious or fatal injuries if the airbag hits the seat or your child.

When installing a single car seat in the back, aim for the center position—it’s often the safest spot since it reduces the risk of injury in a crash. Just make sure the seat fits securely in that position. Safety first, every time! If the center spot doesn’t work for your car seat, the rear passenger seat is a great alternative. It makes it easier and safer to get your child in and out of the car on the curbside, away from traffic.

Installing the car seat incorrectly

Before installing a car seat, take a few minutes to read the manufacturer’s instructions and the car seat section in your vehicle’s manual. This will help you understand exactly how to secure it properly.

Once it’s installed, give it a quick test. Grab the base of the seat near the attachment points and try to move it side to side or front to back. If it moves more than an inch (2.5 cm), it’s not tight enough, so adjust it until it’s secure.

And don’t forget to double-check that the seat is facing the right direction for your child’s age and size. A little extra effort upfront ensures your child is safe every time you hit the road!

Wearing a thick coat

This one’s extremely important: bulky coats can keep the harness straps from fitting snugly around your child's body, which means they’re not secure. A safer way to keep your baby warm? Buckle the harness first, then lay a coat or blanket over the top. This way, they stay cozy and safe! Also, if you have a remote start, consider using that in the cold weather to warm up the car first.

Forward-facing too early

It’s natural for parents to want to see their baby’s face in the rearview mirror, which can make turning the car seat forward-facing tempting. But keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible is the safest choice. Experts recommend waiting until your child reaches the maximum height or weight limit set by the car seat manufacturer.

A great option is a convertible car seat. It starts as rear-facing and can switch to forward-facing as your child grows. These seats usually have higher rear-facing weight and height limits than infant-only seats. If you’re currently using an infant-only seat, you can switch to a convertible one when your baby outgrows it.

Switching to a booster seat too early

Older kids need booster seats to make sure an adult seat belt fits them correctly. You can move your child from a car seat to a booster when they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. But remember, your child is safest in a car seat with a harness for as long as they fit in it. Don’t rush the transition!

Also, always use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt—never a lap-only belt. This means if your center seat only has a lap belt, you cannot put the booster seat there. Make sure the lap belt sits low across your child’s thighs, not their stomach. The shoulder belt should rest across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck. Proper positioning is key to keeping them safe!

Can you still use your car seat after your car is involved in an accident?

It's generally not recommended or allowed, depending on the severity of the collision. The thing is, car seats that have been involved in an accident often immediately expire. In most cases, the accident needs to be moderate to severe, especially if the car has internal damage. However, some manufacturers recommend replacing the car seat even after a minor crash.

To be sure, check your province's car seat laws to see what types of accidents require a car seat replacement. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child’s safety!

Does insurance cover car seat replacement after an accident?

If you’re in an accident and your child’s car seat is damaged, you might wonder if your car insurance will cover the cost of replacing the car seat. The good news? Depending on your auto insurance policy, it might be covered! Typically, the same coverage that applies to repairing your car will also apply to the car seat, depending on the situation. Here’s how it works:

• If another car hits yours, collision car coverage is usually what handles vehicle repairs and could also cover the car seat.
• If your car is stolen or damaged by something like a fallen tree branch, the comprehensive car coverage part of your policy would likely pay for the car seat replacement. While comprehensive coverage does not typically damage cover items inside the car, a car seat is an exception to this.

Keep in mind that both collision and comprehensive coverage are optional add-ons to most auto insurance policies. If you don’t have these coverages, your policy likely won’t cover the cost of replacing the car seat. It’s always a good idea to review your coverage and make sure you’re fully protected!

Speak with BrokerLink for all your car insurance needs

Many common car accidents can cause serious injury. That’s why it's so important to make sure that your child's car seat is installed properly. Car seat laws, as well as height limits and weight restrictions, are there for a reason. In the case of a car accident, you'll need a few of our car insurance policies to compensate for damage caused to your vehicle or medical expenses.

• Third-party liability coverage
• Accident benefits coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage coverage
• Uninsured automobile coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Accident forgiveness coverage

Installing a car seat properly and having them sit in the right car seat can be the difference between serious injury and safety for your child if you're ever in a collision. Be sure to review the car seat laws for the province or territory in which you live.

At BrokerLink, your family’s safety is our top priority. Our insurance brokers are here to help you find the best coverage to keep your loved ones protected on the road. Reach out to BrokerLink today for all your insurance needs.

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FAQs on car seats in vehicles

What is the best car seat?

Every car seat on the Canadian market meets the same federal safety standards, despite the varying styles, prices, and features. Therefore, the best car seat for you is one that fits your child, vehicle, and budget, and one you know you’ll use correctly every single time. Focus on what works best for your family, and you’ll be set for safe travels.

Why are car seats important?

Car crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for children, but the right car seat can make a huge difference. According to CAA, using a child restraint, like a car seat, can reduce the risk of injury by 71% and cut the risk of death by 28% compared to just using a seat belt. Booster seats increase protection by 59% compared to seat belts alone.

What are the different car seat stages?

There are four stages: rear-facing, forward-facing, booster and seat belt.

When is my child ready for the next car seat stage?

When your child outgrows their current car seat by height or weight, they should move to the next car seat stage. But remember, it's best to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. If they've outgrown their infant car seat, instead of moving them immediately to a forward-facing car seat, it's strongly recommended that you move them to a larger rear-facing car seat to keep them rear-facing as long as possible.

Why is rear-facing safer than forward-facing?

Rear-facing car seats are specially designed to protect your child’s head, neck, and spine by spreading crash forces across the seat’s shell. Babies under two aren’t strong enough to handle the impact of a crash without the added support of a rear-facing seat. Turning them forward too soon can increase the risk of serious injuries to the head, neck, or spinal cord in a crash or sudden stop. That’s why it’s so important to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible—until they’re at least two years old, if not longer.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.