Navigating and understanding car seat information can be daunting, even for the most seasoned parent. Each growth spurt brings a new car seat stage for your child. Below is a province-by-province guide to help you ensure your child’s safety and comply with provincial requirements.
Here are some quick “best practice” tips:
- Be sure to follow all instructions from the car seat manufacturer. 4 out of 5 car seats are used or installed incorrectly.
- Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. It is the safest position for them to ride in!
- It is recommended to stay in each stage up to the maximum weight/height set by the car seat manufacturer.
- Booster seats are not optional! Be sure to select a seat that best meets your child’s age, weight and height.
Remember, all provinces and territories require “proper use” of a car seat or booster seat. This means that the car seat or booster seat must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
| Province/Territory | Rear-facing/Forward-facing requirements | Booster seat requirements |
| Alberta | Children under 6 years old who weigh 18kg (40lbs) or less must ride in an approved car seat. | No provincial law. |
| British Columbia | Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 12 months old and a minimum of 9kg (20lbs). Children between 9kg (20lbs) and 18kg (40lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 145cm (4’9″) tall or 9 years old. |
| Manitoba | Children under 5 years old and who weigh 2 kg (50lbs) or less must ride in an approved car seat. | Children must ride in booster seats until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 36kg (80lbs) or 9 years old. |
| New Brunswick | Child must ride in an approved car seat suitable for their age, weight and height. | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 36kg (80lbs) or 9 years old. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Children must ride rear-facing until at least 9kg (20lbs). Children must ride in an appropriate car seat until they are a minimum of 18kg (40lbs). | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 36kg (80lbs) or 9 years old. |
| Northwest Territories | Children must ride rear-facing until at least 9kg (20lbs). Children between 9kg (20lbs) and 18kg (40lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | No territory law. |
| Nova Scotia | Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 12 months old and a minimum of 10kg (22lbs). Children between 10kg (22lbs) and 18kg (40lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 36kg (80lbs) or 9 years old. |
| Nunavut | Children must ride rear-facing until at least 9kg (20lbs). Children between 9kg (20lbs) and 18kg (40lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | No territory law. |
| Ontario | Children must ride rear-facing until at least 9kg (20lbs). Children between 9kg (20lbs) and 18kg (40lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 36kg (80lbs) or 8 years old. |
| Prince Edward Island | Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 12 months old and a minimum of 10kg (22lbs). Children between 10kg (22lbs) and 18kg (40lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 10 years old or exceed the booster seat weight limit. |
| Quebec | Child must ride in an approved car seat suitable for their age, weight and height until they are 9 years old or at least 145cm (4’9″) tall. | Child must ride in an approved car seat suitable for their age, weight and height until they are 9 years old or at least 145cm (4’9″) tall. |
| Saskatchewan | Children must ride in an approved car seat until 18kg (40lbs). | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall, 36kg (80lbs) or 7 years old. |
| Yukon | Children must ride rear-facing until at least 10kg (22lbs) and walking unassisted. Children between 10kg (22lbs) and 22kg (48lbs) must ride in a car seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight. | Children must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 145cm (4’9″) tall or 45kg (100lbs). |
*Opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Parent Life Network or their partners.
Christine Tassé
As a mom of two energetic boys, Christine has mastered the art of stepping on Legos without flinching and also speaks "dinosaur" fluently. She's right there in the trenches with you, navigating the wild ups and downs of parenting with a blend of humour, resilience, and a touch of caffeine. As the Director of Parent Life Network, Christine is dedicated to supporting and bringing parents together on the beautiful journey of raising tiny humans.
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