Home » About Us » Frequently Asked Questions » Car Seats

Print page

Car Seats


How long should my child be in a booster seat?
Booster seats are now manufactured to accommodate children weighing 36.4 kg (80 lbs) and 45.5 kg (100 lbs).

Legislation as of September 1, 2005:
Children must use a booster seat once they are18.2 kg (40 lbs.) until they are 36.4 kg (80 lbs)or 1.45 m (4' 9" tall) and 8 years old.

Health Unit recommends that children be in a booster seat until he or she is:

1. at a sitting height of at least 74 cm (29 inches) and his or her legs are able to ben comfortably over the vehicle seat, or
2. is over the manufacturer's height of weight limit of the booster seat.

When can I move my baby from rear-facing to forward-facing in his car seat?
Ministry of Transportation states that a child can go from rear-facing to forward-facing when they are 9 kg (20 lbs) and one year of age. However, new research being conducted is indicating that they should remain rear-facing until 18 months old and 22 pounds. This is because they are finding brain stem and spinal column damage between 12-18 months of age. This is an injury that cannot be fixed.

Note: If you have a premature baby, ensure you use the due date, not the date of delivery when considering this.


Where can I get a tether bolt installed?
We recommend that you make an appointment with a car dealership who manufactured your vehicle. For example, if you have a Dodge, go to a Chrysler dealership, a Ford, go to a Ford dealership or a Pontiac, go to a GMC dealership.


Where can I get my baby's car seat inspected?
For more information call 519-631-9900 To book an appointment at a monthly car seat clinic or seminar call 519-631-3159 x 231. For clinics in West Elgin, please call the West Elgin Community Health Centre @ 519-785-2164. For Clinics in Aylmer please call Aylmer Police at 519-773-3144.


Should I use a "head hugger" in my baby's car seat?
We do not recommend using a "head hugger" in car seats. This is because it can interfere with the harness system by hiding the harnessing and pulling it away from the child's neck. If a "head hugger" comes with the car seat, ensure that it is not attached to the harness straps. We recommend using a rolled-up receiving blanket on either side of the child's head for support instead.