Child Restraints Overview

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to finding out the best way to restrain and protect your children in cars. Adding to the confusion are the differing rules and guidelines between Australia and overseas markets as well as differences between Australian states. Some people restrain their babies and children according to legal guidelines as opposed what is the safest method of transporting children in cars.

The following is an overview of what restraints are suitable for each ages and well as some additional information.

To find out more about the child restraint laws in your state click here.

1. Baby (up to 9kgs or about 6 months)
You have 2 safe options, a baby capsule or "convertible", both of which allow for rearward facing (the safest method for this age). The convertible style can face rearwards while the baby is young and can swivel around to face forwards when they reach a safe age/weight. The capsules provide added convenience of being able to "click" your baby out without waking them. There are companies who specialise in renting these. Check with your hospital as there are some rental companies that install them within the hospital grounds.

2. Young children (9kgs up to 18kgs, 6 months to approximately 4 years)
A restraint for this age can either be the "convertible" in the forward facing position or a forward facing seat (not booster). Both are affixed to the anchorage points. They provide added safety of a harness seat belt configuration. In Sweden, they recommend that a child stays in the rearward facing position up until about 3 years old or when their head is no longer supported by the child restraint.

3. Children 19kgs up to 26kgs, (about 4- 7 years)
A booster seat should be used to improve seat belt fit or to enable your child to see out of the vehicle. As a general guide, buy a rigid booster seat (with a back), side wings and a sash guide to keep the seat belt in place - all the preferred booster seats are like this. Some cars have built in booster seats, such as the Volvo XC90 and XC60. The seats are also safe and legal.
 
Which Child Seat/Baby Restraint is Best?
There is a huge range of restraints available. Always buy one that is approved by the Australian Standards. To help you with your choice the RTA, NRMA and RACV have joined forces to produce a leaflet highlighting child seats that they had tested and recommended. For more information click here.  

Where Can I Get My Restraint Fitted?
Where possible, always get your baby restraints and car seats professionally installed. The RTA has authorised Restraint Fitting Stations throughout NSW. For more info click here.

In Victoria, Restraint Fitting Stations have been jointly established by VicRoads and the RACV. Click here to find your closest one.
 

Want To Know More?

The basic principal behind different child seat styles and which direction they should face is that a baby and child's body is different proportionately and structurally to an adult's figure. An adult has fully formed muscle and bone in the neck area allowing for greater strength and rigidity in the event of a collision. An adult's head is also proportionately smaller than a baby/child's head so it is easier for adults to hold their head weight. A child's pelvis area is less developed than an adult's so the seat belt can slip up causing abdominal injuries.

Rearward Facing vs Forward Facing Child Restraints?
As a child's body is not fully formed, it is safer to have a child facing rearward for as long as they fit into their car seat, around 3 years old or when their head is not supported by the child seat. In a frontal collision the force of the impact is spread over the whole of the child's back and head.

Booster Seats
When children are around 4 years old they can be put into a booster seat. The safest ones have a full back and firm sides. It is recommended in Sweden that a child remains in a booster seat up until the age of 10 (140cm or 36kgs). Some cars (Volvo XC90 & XC60) have integrated booster seats which means your child can be safe without the hassle and expense of buying one.

Front Seat or Back Seat for Child Restraints?
In Australia it is illegal to have a child restraint in the front passenger seat where there is an active air bag. As most new cars have a front passenger airbag, this means that the rear seat is the only legal place to put it.

Correct Fitting Is Critical
Also ensure that the child seats are fitted correctly. Read instructions carefully or have it professionally fitted at fitting stations throughout Australia. It will cost around $60 to do this.

Can Children Sit In The Front Seat?
If a child (not baby or toddler) must sit in the front seat with an airbag, place the seat as far back as possible. This will reduce any potential harm an airbag may cause for a smaller passenger. The information above has been based on the research conducted by experts and organisation in overseas markets and may differ to the information provided by Australian organisations.