JavaScript Is Not Enabled!
Learn how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Report-a-claim in the Lower Mainland by calling 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222 for the rest of B.C.

Child Seats: Installing a child seat

Installing your infant seat | Installing your convertible seat - rear facing | Installing your convertible seat - forward facing | Installing your booster seat | Buckling up older children | More about equipment | Vehicles with lap belts only | Safest location

Buckling up older children in the adult seatbelt

Print this checklist and take it with you to test whether your older child is ready to use just the adult seatbelt.

To test whether your child is ready for an adult belt system, sit them on the vehicle seat and check that the lap belt fits low over the pelvic bones (hips). Also the shoulder belt must go over the shoulder and across the chest, NEVER under the arm or behind the back.

Buckle up all children 12 years and under in the back seat. In almost all crashes it is the safest location.
For safety, the lap belt must be worn snug and low over the hips (pelvic bones), not over the abdomen. Teach your older child how to position the lap belt.
The shoulder belt must be placed over the shoulders and across the chest. Teach your older child how to position the shoulder belt.
Remove all slack from the lap and shoulder belt. Also teach this to your older child.
NEVER place the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the back, as this can result in serious injury or death.
Do not use seatbelt adjusters that change the path of the lap or shoulder belt. They can be unsafe.
NEVER buckle two children into one seatbelt. The forces of a frontal crash can throw them violently together as their bodies attempt to occupy the same space.

Whenever possible, a lap/shoulder seat belt is preferrable to a lap belt only.