Child Car Seat Safety - Buckle Up Right, Every Ride
by Town of High River
12/11/2025
Community
Child Car Seat Safety - Buckle Up Right, Every Ride
HIGH RIVER -Choosing and correctly installing the right car seat is key to keeping children safe on the road. In Alberta, drivers must ensure every child under 16 is properly restrained. The right car seat can reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by 60–70%—but only if it fits the child, fits the vehicle, and is used every time.
Rear-Facing Car Seats:
- Use from birth to at least age 2, or until reaching the seat’s height/weight limit.
- Protects head, neck, and spine by distributing crash forces across the seat back.
- Keep rear-facing as long as possible; many models fit beyond age 2.
Forward-Facing Car Seats:
- For children about 2–6 years old or up to 40 lb.
- Required by Alberta law for children under 6 or 40 lb.
- Install in the back seat with top tether; seat should move less than 2.5 cm (1 in) at the base.
- The chest clip should be at the level of the child's armpits. The harness straps should be snug. If you can slide a finger underneath but cannot pinch a fold in the harness strap, the fit is good.
Booster Seats:
- Booster seats lift your child, so the seat belt fits correctly. The shoulder belt should cross the child's chest (not their neck), and the lap belt should cross their hips (not their stomach).
- Although not required by law in Alberta, booster seats are strongly recommended for children until a seat belt fits properly — usually when a child is about 145 cm (4’9”) tall and between 8–12 years old.
Seat Belts:
Your child is ready for a regular seat belt when:
- Their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat.
- The shoulder belt crosses the chest and rests between the neck and shoulder.
- The lap belt lies low across the hips, not the stomach.
Children are safest riding in the back seat until at least 13 years old.
Buying and Installing Safely
- Make sure your child is below the height and weight limits listed by the seat manufacturer.
- Check that the seat fits your vehicle and your child before purchasing.
- Avoid second-hand seats. Never use one that’s been in a collision or has missing parts.
- Check for recalls before use.
- A properly installed seat should move less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in any direction at the belt path.
Need Help?
If you are unsure how to install your car seat correctly, check your vehicle manual, the car seat manual, or visit:
-30-
For more information:
High River Protective Services
24/7 Bylaw Complaint Line: 403.603.3643
General Inquiries and Administration: 403.603.3644