When used in the forward facing position, convertible car seats are secured in the vehicle with a seat belt and tether strap. The tether strap, anchored by a bolt to the rear shelf of a car or floor of a van, is most important in preventing the top of the car seat from moving forward during a collision or sudden stop. In Canada, all forward facing convertible car seats must be anchored with a tether strap.
Convertible car seats are available in four harness styles:
- 3 Point Harness Secures the child at the shoulders and between the legs.
- 5 Point Harness Secures the child at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. Shoulder straps are clipped separately into a common buckle located between the legs.
- T-Shaped Shield A padded shield attached to the shoulder straps is placed over the child's head and buckled into the seat at the crotch area.
- Arm Bar Shield A padded bar swings over the child's head, with shoulder harnesses and buckle attached.
Is one style of convertible car seat safer than the other?
If installed and used according to manufacturer's instructions, CMVSS crash tests show that all styles will protect your child in the event of a collision or sudden stop*. Ensure that the car seat you are using has the appropriate CMVSS labelling. When shopping for a car seat, be sure that it is a good fit for your child. If selecting a T-Shaped Shield or Arm Bar Shield, the shield should come no more than chest high. These styles are generally not recommended for small infants as the shields may be at neck or face level and can cause injury in the event of a collision or sudden stop.
* "Keep Them Safe - A Guide to Children's Car Seats" Transport Canada
Booster seats are available in no back or high back models. If your child's head extends beyond the height of the car's seat back when in a no back booster, a high backed model may be required. If your child's head extends beyond the height of the car's seat back without a booster, your child may be secured with the seat belts in your car. Alternatively, a high backed booster may be used as long as your child's head does not extend beyond the height of the booster. In all cases, always ensure that your child has adequate protection to the neck area, whether placed in a booster or using the seat belts in your car, and that the seat belt fits properly over your child.
How will I know when my child has outgrown his convertible car seat?
If your child is above the height and weight limits as detailed by the manufacturer, then your child has outgrown the car seat. If your child has not yet reached these limits but the mid point of his or her ears are above the top of the car seat, and his or her shoulders are above the shoulder harness strap slots, you will need to move your child into a booster seat.
My child is only 5 months old and already weighs 20 lb. Can I move her into a forward facing convertible car seat?
Although your child has reached the weight limit of the car seat as set by the manufacturer, the physical development of your child at this age is more important in determining whether or not she is ready to be placed in the forward facing position. The neck muscles of small infants are not yet strong enough to support the weight of their head. When placed in a forward facing car seat, adequate strength in the neck, back and shoulder areas is necessary as these are the areas where impact will be absorbed in the event of a collision or sudden stop. Before being placed in a forward facing car seat, infants should be able to pull themselves up to a standing position, or be able to sit up unaided for extended periods of time without falling over. If you child is unable to do this but has reached the weight limitations for rear facing installation, a car seat with a higher weight limit will be necessary to ensure safety when travelling in the car.
ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURER?S INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS, AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.