RCMP Remind Parents to Check Car Seat Safety This November

This November, the Alberta RCMP are reminding parents and caregivers to double-check their children’s car seats to make sure they’re the right fit and properly installed. The right seat can make all the difference in a crash — and every age and stage has different safety needs.

Infants: Birth to Two Years (Up to 22 lbs / 10 kg)

Infants are safest in a rear-facing car seat from birth until at least two years of age, or until they reach the maximum weight and height allowed by the manufacturer.

Toddlers: Two to Six Years (22–40 lbs / 10–18 kg)

Once a child outgrows their rear-facing seat and weighs at least 22 lbs (10 kg), they can ride in a forward-facing car seat with a properly secured harness.

Children Six and Older (Over 40 lbs / 18 kg)

Children who have outgrown their forward-facing seat should move to a booster seat, which helps position the seatbelt safely across their shoulder and lap.

• A booster should raise the child so their back rests against the seat and knees bend naturally over the edge.

• A high-back booster offers extra head and neck support and is strongly recommended.

Key Safety Tips

▪️ Always install car seats and booster seats in the back seat of the vehicle.
▪️ Look for the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) sticker — it means the seat meets national safety rules.
▪️ Avoid used car seats. They may be expired, recalled, or unsafe.
▪️ Do the “inch test”: after installation, try to move the seat side-to-side or front-to-back at the base. It shouldn’t move more than one inch in any direction.

RCMP Reminder

“Drivers must ensure all passengers are properly secured in their vehicle,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull with Alberta RCMP Traffic. “This includes ensuring that car seats are properly installed and that all children are in the appropriate seat type for their size.”