A correctly fitted and used child car restraint can reduce the risk of serious injury or death in an accident. Babies and children are at significant risk of road injuries in Australia, so it is important to know how to transport then safely every time they are in the car.
Buckle up every child in a child car restraint on every trip and never hold your baby on your lap while travelling in the car.
Child car restraint legislation:
Children under 6 months of age:
- From birth, babies must use a rearward facing child car restraint with an in-built harness.
Children 6 months to 4 years of age:
- Children must use either a rearward facing child car restraint, OR a forward-facing child car restraint with an inbuilt harness
Note: Keeping your baby in a rearward facing position until they reach the height marker on the seat offers the best protection in an accident.
Children 4 to 7 years of age:
- Children from 4 to 7 years of age must use either a forward-facing child car restraint, OR a booster seat with a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.
