The 2013 ICBC car seat regulations divide kids into a few stages.

Stage one includes infants and toddlers up to 20 lbs and one year of age. During this stage, car seats must be rear-facing. Rear facing is the most supportive for your child’s neck and head. This is a minimum — children can remain rear-facing as long as their weight remains within the car seat manufacturer’s set limit.

Some parents like to turn their child forward facing when their legs hit the back of the car’s seat, however, broken legs are a heck of a lot better than a broken neck, so use discretion when deciding when to forward face. To reiterate, they must be rear-facing for at least one year and are 9 kg.

Stage Two includes toddlers and preschoolers over one year of age and between 20 and 40 lbs, or 9 and 18 kg. At this stage, car seats can be forward or rear facing. Again, it is safest to keep your child rear facing for as long as your car seat’s weight limit allows.

Stage Three includes children over 18 kg (40 lbs). This stage lasts until the child is 9-years-old or is 145 cm tall (4’9″). Booster seats should remain in the back seat and not used up front where an air bag is present. Remember to use a lap and shoulder belt. Booster seats are not designed for a lap belt only.

Stage Four is newly adapted for children under 12-years-old. This stage includes children over 9-years-old or 4 foot 9 inches tall (145 cm) and under 12 years. Children in this stage should remain in the back seat. It is not recommended for children to be in the front seat especially if the vehicle is equipped with air bags. Air bags can easily break your child’s neck so please use caution.

Bucket / Infant Car Seats:

Car Seat for Toddler to 40 lbs (This one can safely hold bigger newborns as well)

Booster Seats