Child Restraints Frequently Asked Questions

A correctly fitted child car restraint can significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in road crashes.

However the effectiveness of restraints can be impaired by the use of restraints that are not appropriate for the size and weight of the child, the use of damaged restraints or the incorrect installation of the restraint. Recent inspections by RACT expert installers found that up to 75% of child restraints were fitted incorrectly.

• What if the recommended restraint isn't suitable for my child?

  While the new laws aim to cater for the majority of children, a provision will be included to ensure a child is not required to use a restraint unsuitable for their size and weight (for example a child who is too tall or heavy for the restraint must use a restraint for the next age category).

• Why do the new rules refer to age instead of size or height and weight?

  
  Research conducted by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research indicates that regulations specifying child restraint usage by age (rather than by height or weight) will result in the smallest number of children being inappropriately restrained. Guidelines are also easier for parents and carers to understand and follow if given in terms of age.

• What is an 'Approved Child Restraint'?

  Approved child restraints comply with Australian Standard (AS) 1754 and must be correctly anchored to the vehicle using an Australian Standard's approved anchorage system.
  The child restraint must be correctly fitted and properly adjusted for the child using the restraint at all times.

  All child restraints sold in Australia must meet the strict requirements of the AS 1754 covering the materials, design, construction, performance, testing and labelling of child restraints.

  Restraints bought in other countries will not meet the Australian Standard - it is illegal to use them in Australia.  

• What types of child restraints are available?

  Standards-approved, size-appropriate restraints already exist in Australia. As children grow, they require different sorts of approved child restraints:

  Infant capsule - is a rearward facing restraint for infants up to 9kg (birth to approx six months old). It has its own inbuilt harness system. These restraints are also known as rearward facing child restraints. They all use a top tether.

  Child seat - is a forward facing seat for children between 8-18kg (approximately six months to four years old). It has its own inbuilt harness system. These restraints are also known as forward facing child restraints. They all use a top tether.

  Booster seat - is a device that increases the child's seated height when using a seatbelt. These restraints are also known as boosters. The Standard defines booster seats as being suitable for children between 14-26kg (approximately four up to seven years old). Older style boosters were just a cushion. Recent designs have a seat back and some have side wings that support and protect the head. A booster seat is restrained by a properly adjusted seatbelt or child safety harness. Some boosters use a top tether.

  Child Safety Harness - is a device that can be used in conjunction with a booster seat up to the weight of 26kg. Once the child has grown out of the booster seat a child safety harness can be used up to 32 kg without a booster if the child is unable to wear the seatbelt correctly.

  Convertible child restraint - is one that can be used in more than one mode. For example a restraint combining an infant capsule and child seat, or combining a child seat and booster seat are commonly referred to as convertibles.

• Is it safe to buy a second-hand child restraint?

  It may be cheaper to buy a second-hand restraint, but you'll need to check its safety history.

  Check for obvious signs of wear - harnesses that are frayed or faded or if the plastic shell or buckle is cracked or broken. Only use restraints which carry the Australian Standards 1754 Mark. Restraints that don't carry this mark do not comply with the Australian Road Rules and may compromise the child's safety in the event of a crash.

  Test the buckle and adjusters to make sure they work properly and ask for the instruction manual. If it's missing, get the manufacturer to send you a copy.

  It is important to note that restraints that use Velcro bindings can no longer be sold, hired, donated or given away.

  Never use a restraint which has been involved in a crash.

  If you are uncertain about the safety history of a second-hand restraint, it is recommended that you look for other alternatives where the safety history is known.

• Can I use my existing child restraint?

  Yes, if it complies with AS 1754, is not more than 10 years old and is in proper working order.

• I have a restraint that is 10 years old - can I use that one?

  It is not recommended that a child restraint be used after ten years of age because:

  Restraints older than ten years cannot be guaranteed to perform as they were originally intended; and

  The Australian Standards have been improved significantly since 1991 and were updated in 1995, 2000 and 2004. Older restraints will not meet new improved design features.

• Is it possible to fit three child restraints across the back seat of my car?

  There is considerable variation in the types of child restraints and brands available for purchase. It will depend on both the child restraints chosen, including the combination of restraints required to appropriately restrain your children and the make and model of your car to know whether this is possible.

  Don't forget - you will also need to find out whether there are enough anchorage points in your vehicle with which to fit the restraints. If you are unsure where the anchorage points are located in your vehicle, refer to the vehicle owner's manual under the section of "Child Restraints" or "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems".

• Why are the child restraint laws changing

  Research suggests that children are being moved into bigger seats - or are prematurely graduating to seatbelts alone - when this is not appropriate for their size. Adult seatbelts do not fit properly over a small child's lap and shoulder, exposing the child's abdomen and neck to serious injury in the event of a crash. A child that is properly secured in an approved child restraint is less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash than one who is not.