Car seats for children: What are the laws?
The basics you need to know when it comes to correctly restraining your children while they travel in the car with you are as follows:
- Children under 6 months must be restrained using a rear facing baby capsule or car seat
- Children aged between 6 months and 4 years must be restrained in either a rear facing baby capsule or a forward facing car seat with a built in harness
- Children under 4 years of age must travel only in the back seat of the vehicle
- Children aged 4 - 7 years of age must be restrained in a forward facing car seat with inbuilt harness or in a booster seat with the cars lap sash seat belt
- All car seats must show the Australian safety standard label to comply with rules
- Children ages 4 - 7 years old can sit in the front seat if all of the back seats are taken by other passengers under 7 years old
- Children age over 7 years old must use either an adult seat belt or a booster seat, depending on height and weight measurements
It is always best to check with your local state or territory laws as sometimes these can vary.
The best baby car seats and their differences
There are several different types of baby car seats and capsules for all different aged and sized children. Of course, there isn’t a one size fits all approach because children grow at different rates. You will need to make judgements based on the recommendations of different manufacturers and the Australian laws when choosing the correct seat for your child as they grow.
Baby Capsules
A baby capsule offers a myriad of advantages for parents, making it a fantastic option for transporting your baby safely and conveniently. Firstly, its design prioritises the utmost safety, providing a snug and secure environment that shields the baby from impacts during travel, whether in a car or stroller. The capsule's portability is another key benefit, allowing seamless transitions between the car and your stroller. Its lightweight construction and compatibility with various travel systems make it incredibly versatile for parents on the go. Mico 12 LX is packed with adjustable features to accommodate your baby's growth, including adjustable headrest and adjustable crotch buckle.
Baby capsules click into a base that stays in the car and the capsule itself can be easily removed at attached to a stroller or used to move your baby inside. These car seats are used for newborns to about 12 months old.
Convertible car seats
A convertible car seat stands out as an excellent option for parents due to its versatility and longevity. Convertible seats are designed to accommodate your baby from birth through to approximately 4 years of age and often feature an adjustable harness, recline options, and extended rear-facing capabilities, all of which enhance comfort and safety for young passengers. Many models offer extended rear-facing capabilities, which are recommended by safety experts for infants and toddlers, promoting optimal spine and neck protection in the event of a crash. With its ability to adjust easily as your child grows, prioritising safety, a convertible car seat emerges as a smart investment for parents seeking convenience, durability, and peace of mind on the road.
Forward facing car seats or Harnessed Booster seats
Forward-facing car seats (also known as Harnessed Booster seats) offer a crucial transition for toddlers and young children, providing them with a safe and comfortable ride as they grow. These car seats are specifically designed to cater to the needs of children who have outgrown rear-facing seats but are not yet ready for booster seats. Maxi-Cosi Forward-facing car seats come equipped with adjustable harness systems and patented Air Protected technology, ensuring optimal protection in the event of a collision. They also offer additional features such as adjustable recline positions and padded headrests to enhance comfort during long journeys. As a result, they remain an essential investment for parents looking to prioritise the safety and well-being of their growing child while on the road.
Booster seats
A booster seat is the final seat that your child will use before graduating to using an adult lap sash seat belt and are used by older children who have outgrown traditional car seats but are not yet ready to use adult seat belts effectively.
These seats elevate the child, ensuring that the vehicle's seat belt fits them properly across the lap and shoulder, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. By providing a secure and comfortable seating position, booster seats help maintain proper belt positioning, preventing the belt from riding up onto the abdomen or neck, which could cause serious injuries. Many booster seats also come with additional features like adjustable headrests and armrests for enhanced comfort during longer journeys. As children transition from car seats to booster seats, they gain a newfound sense of independence while still receiving the necessary protection on the road. Booster seats are thus a vital tool for parents to ensure the safety of their growing children until they are ready to use adult seat belts alone.
What next?
To move from a booster seat to just using an adult lap sash seat belt, you will need to perform the 5-point check to see if it is an appropriate time. Use these questions as a guide to see if your child is safe riding in the adult option.
- Are they sitting with their back against the seat back properly?
- Are their knees bent comfortably over the edge of the seat?
- Is the lap sash seat belt low and sitting across the top of their thighs properly?
- Can they comfortably stay in this position for the entire car trip?
- In this position, is the shoulder belt across the middle of their shoulder?
What is the ISOFIX and seat belt anchor system?
When looking for the best baby car seats, you’ll come across the term ISOFIX. This refers to the installation method of your chosen car seat. It involves clipping the capsule to anchorage points that may already be existing in your car. Many new cars are compatible with ISOFIX car seats and installation is relatively straightforward. We do recommend where possible, that you have your baby seat professionally installed to ensure that it has been done correctly and will keep your child as safe as possible.
