10 Questions You Should to Know about Children's Car

The best way to prevent injuries to children in a crash is by taking care to correctly restrain them while travelling in a car. By law, all passengers must be restrained appropriately at all times when travelling in a car in Australia. Children should be restrained using the right child restraint for their age and size.

All child restraints must comply with the Australian Standard for child restraints (AS/NZS 1754). When fitted and used correctly, restraints are very effective in protecting children in the event of a crash. To find out the independent safety and ease-of-use rating of child restraints visit the Child Car SeatsExternal Link website.

Cars can quickly become very hot, so never leave a baby or child alone in a car, even in mild weather.

Never leave a child alone in a car

Leaving a child on their own, locked in a car on any day – even for a short period – can be fatal. The temperature inside a car can very quickly climb to dangerous levelsExternal Link .

Children are more at risk from heat-related problems than adults because they can lose fluid very quickly and become dehydrated, leading to heat stroke and potentially death.

Ambulance Victoria data shows that in the period between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018, Ambulance Victoria responded to 1,587 callouts for people locked in cars across Victoria, the majority being cases involving toddlers and babies.

In all states and territories in Australia, it is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time. In Victoria, it is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. The penalty for doing so is a fine of $4,030 or up to six months in jail, or both.

The Never leave kids in cars page has more information about child car safety.

Child restraints – rear and forward facing

When using child restraints:

• Check the harness and top tether have no twists and are firm.
• Make sure your child's arms are secured correctly by the harness and check the tension of the harness straps by fitting two fingers between the harness and the child.
• Check the seatbelt and harness buckles are clicked into place properly.
• If you are using an ISOFIX-compatible child restraint, make sure the ISOFIX attachments are correctly clicked into place.

Booster seats

When using booster seats:

• Use the booster seatbelt guide to make sure the sash part of the seatbelt is positioned on your child's shoulder.
• If there is a top tether strap, make sure it is correctly attached to the child restraint anchor location.
• Make sure the seatbelt is firmly adjusted.
• The lap part of the seatbelt should pass over the upper thighs and across the hips, not the stomach area.

Child restraints and the law

In Victoria, children under seven years of age must be restrained in an approved child restraintExternal Link or approved booster seat when travelling in a motor vehicle.

Children over seven years of age and under 16 years must be restrained in a booster seat or adult seatbelt. For safety reasons, it is recommended to only transition children to the next category of restraint when they outgrow their current restraint.

The rules require that:

• Children aged under six

  monthsExternal Link

  must use an approved, properly fastened and adjusted rearward-facing child restraint.
• Children aged between six months and seven years old must use a properly fastened and adjusted rearward-facing child restraint OR a forward-facing child restraint.

• Children aged between four and seven

  yearsExternal Link

  old must use a properly fastened and adjusted forward-facing child restraint OR booster seat.

• Children aged between seven and 16

  yearsExternal Link

  old must use a booster seat with a properly fastened and adjusted lap or sash seatbelt or child safety harness, or a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.

There are also laws for where children can sit in vehicles, specifically:

• If a car has two or more rows of seats, then children under four years old must not travel in the front seat.
• If all rear seats are being used by children under seven years old, children aged between four and seven years old may travel in the front seat, provided they use an approved booster seat. Because there are no child restraint anchorage points for the front seat, you will need to use a booster seat that does not have a top tether strap.

Kidsafe VictoriaExternal Link has more information on child restraint laws and the National Child Restraint Best Practice GuidelinesExternal Link .

Safety for babies in the car

For babies up to at least six months of age:

• They must travel in a rearward-facing child restraint.
• Every time you use the restraint, check that the harness is adjusted so that it fits the baby as snugly as possible and is not twisted.
• Use the child restraint until your child has outgrown the restraint.
• If you use a baby blanket, place it over the baby after you have secured the baby into the restraint.
• Adjust the shoulder straps as the child grows – for rearward-facing restraints, always use the harness strap slot nearest the child’s shoulders but not below their shoulders.

Safety for toddlers in the car

For toddlers from approximately six months to at least four years:

• Use a rearward-facing child restraint or forward-facing child restraint that is held in place by the adult seatbelt and the top tether strap. It is safest for your child to keep using their rearward-facing restraint until they outgrow the size limits of that restraint.
• Every time you use the restraint, check that the seatbelt is firm and that the harness straps fit snugly and are not twisted.
• Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to adjust the harness system and the shoulder straps as the child grows. For forward-facing restraints, always use the harness slot nearest to the child’s shoulders but no more than 2.5 cm below the shoulders.
• Use the child restraint until your child has outgrown the restraint.
• If your child outgrows the child restraint before four years of age, seek advice from

  VicRoadsExternal Link

  or

  Kidsafe

  VictoriaExternal Link

  to assess your child's restraint needs.

Safety for children in the car

Children approximately four years old to at least seven years old should use a forward-facing restraint or booster seat until they have outgrown it. An adult lap or sash seatbelt is designed for people who are a minimum height of 145 cm.

If your child is under seven years old and has outgrown their booster seat, it is recommended that you visit a professional child restraint fitting stationExternal Link (such as an RACV restraint fitting stationExternal Link ) for assessment. Be aware that:

• There are booster seats available that are suitable for children up to approximately 10 years of age.
• Booster cushions are not recommended, as they do not provide protection in a side impact crash.

The National Child Restraint Best Practice GuidelinesExternal Link , developed by Neuroscience Research Australia and Kidsafe, include a handy ‘5 step test’ to help determine when a child is ready to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.

Children 12 years of age and under are safest in the rear seat.

Options for children with disability or reduced mobility

Children with disability or reduced mobility may present challenges for safe motor vehicle travel. Allied health professionals (such as an occupational therapist) can work together with families to identify safe motor vehicle travel strategies, such as:

• modifying a child restraint
• recommending a child restraint accessory
• prescribing a special purpose child restraint for children with disabilities.

Modifications to a child restraint must be undertaken on the advice of medical and allied health staff.

Some exemptions to child restraint laws may apply to children with a medical condition or physical disability. Seek advice from a health professional who can prescribe the best restraint for your child. Further advice can be obtained from the road authority in your state or territoryExternal Link , or from Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults (MACA)External Link , tel. (03) 9134 2500.

Restraint hire schemes

Restraint hire schemes allow parents and carers of children to hire restraints for a specified time. Some hire schemes are operated by local councils and there are also several companies that hire out restraints. There is usually a bond and a fee for the hire of a restraint.

Travelling with children

Travelling with children can be challenging. Some tips to help provide an enjoyable time for everyone include:

• Praise or reward good behaviour.
• Explain to children that you can't go anywhere unless the seatbelts are all buckled.
• Talk or sing with children, or play music to make the time pass more quickly.
• Play fun games such as 'I spy'.
• If travelling long distances by aeroplane or train, take your child restraint or booster seat with you.
• If you have a toddler and a baby, take the baby out of the car safely before the toddler gets out.
• Take regular breaks every two hours when driving to minimise the distress to passengers and driver fatigue.
• Secure loose objects (toys and other items) in the car that could fly about and injure passengers during a crash or heavy braking. Pets should also be restrained.
• Avoid heat stroke. It is extremely dangerous to leave children (or pets) in a car unattended, even for a short time. The temperature in the car can reach dangerously high temperatures in a short period of time.
• Make sure children exit the car from the kerb side door, where possible.

Where to get help

Car seats can be confusing. Not only do you need multiple throughout your little one’s childhood, but they come with several bells and whistles that make installing them tricky. 

If you have a child, we don’t have to tell you you’re carrying precious cargo. The CDC reports motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. While grim, many of these deaths are preventable. Always properly buckling children in age and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce serious and fatal injuries by up to 80%. 

That’s why we interviewed four Child Passenger Safety Technicians among our GoodBuy Gurus, to discuss some of the most pressing car seat safety questions.

Table of Contents 

What Are the Main Types of Car Seats?

There are three types of car seats: Infant car seats, which are rear-facing only; the convertible seat that changes from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat and includes a harness and tether; and the all-in-one seat, which is like the convertible seat but also has a booster seat option.

What Are the Four Stages of Car Seat Safety?

The four stages of car seat safety are: 

1. Rear-Facing: Rear-facing is the first car seat stage that starts at birth. Your little one will sit in an infant car seat or convertible car seat that is positioned away from the driver's seat. Jessica Choi, CPSTI and STAC Instructor, says that “most kids can easily rear face until they are about four years old in many convertible seats.” 
2. Forward-Facing: Once your little one has outgrown the height and weight limits of a rear-facing convertible seat, you can turn your car seat around to forward-facing (facing the driver’s seat). Jessica recommends checking the law in your state as state laws will vary. “If your child outgrows their harnessed seat before they are old enough and big enough for a booster, you'll need to get another forward-facing car seat with a higher harness limit,” says Jessica. 
3. Booster Seat: Once kids have outgrown the forward-facing stage, it's time for a booster seat. Some convertible car seats come with a booster mode. If not, you will need to purchase a booster seat. 
4. Seat Belt: The last stage is moving your kiddo to a seat belt. This can happen once your little one passes the five-step seat belt test (below) and they meet the minimum requirements for your state to stop using a car seat or booster seat. 

 

Five-Step Seat Belt Test: 

1. Can your child sit all the way back in the vehicle seat, with their butt and back against the seat?
2. Do their knees bend over the edge of the seat and their feet touch the floor?
3. Can they remain seated in this position, without slouching, for the entire trip?
4. Does the lap belt fit safely on their upper thighs, not across their belly?
5. Does the shoulder belt fit safely across their collarbone, not across their face or neck?

How Long Should a Child Use a Car Seat?

You’ve heard the saying, “They grow up so fast.” It’s true, and as they grow, their car seat will need to grow with them. From a rear-facing car seat to a seat belt, there are a few things to know along the way. “Car seats fall into a few categories. Infant-only, convertible and booster seats,” CPST Allana Pinkerton says. 

“The parent should review height and weight guidelines for each seat. Once a child reaches one of the criteria, it is time to transition to the next car seat. Age comes into consideration when it comes to turning the child forward-facing, and maturity needs to be considered when transitioning to a booster seat,” says Allana. 

For more information on the stages of car seat safety and when to transition to each stage, read our guide to when to change car seats. 

What Is a Five-Point Safety Harness?

A five-point safety harness is a harness attached to a car seat that has five points designed to protect your child in the event of a crash. The five points on the harness refer to two points at the top by your child’s shoulder, two of the points are at your child’s hips and the last point is in the middle where the harness buckles.

How Can Parents Properly Fit the 5-Point Harness?

Which harness slots you use depends on if your child is rear-facing or forward-facing. In a rear-facing car seat, the harness straps should come out at or below your child’s shoulders. In a forward-facing car seat, the harness straps should come out at or above the child’s shoulders. 

The harness straps should fit snug on your kiddo. By snug we mean it is tight enough you cannot pinch the webbing material between your fingers. 

Amie Durocher, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, says that “the chest clip should be at about armpit level on the child. We suggest moving this into position after you tighten the harness straps so you don’t inadvertently pull the clip into the child’s throat as you pull the straps tight.”

Find more information on harnessing here. 

What Is the Most Common Problem Involving Car Seats?

Jennifer Saxton, CPST and CEO of TotSquad, says, "one of the biggest mistakes is not reading the instruction manuals that come with the child’s car seat. There are many warnings to be aware of and specific instructions about when to use and not to use the infant cushions (Inserts) that come with the car seat. There are certain instructions when installing with a seat belt or with the lower attachment strap (LATCH).” Many people assume you can use both, but it depends on the car seat and the manufacturer. Always check the manual to see whether or not the car seat can be installed that way. 

Jen says that there are a few other common problems to keep an eye out for: 

• Car seats are installed too loose: Always make sure the car seat fits. They should be tight enough that they move less than one-inch side to side, back to front where you are routing the seat belt or LATCH strap (aka belt path). 
• Proper harness height and a snug fit: The harness should be at or just below a child’s shoulders when they are rear-facing. The harness should be snug and comfortable, laying flat against the child’s body and you should not be able to pinch the webbing between your thumb and forefinger at the collarbone. 

What Should Be Done if the Car Seat Is Recalled?

If your car seat has been recalled, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Contact the car seat manufacturer right away if they have not contacted you already. Most of the time, the manufacturer will send you any instructions needed to repair the car seat along with a repair kit. 

Tip: When you purchase a car seat, make sure to register it so the manufacturer is able to alert you immediately in case of a recall. You can also visit the NHTSA website to check for any recalls. 

Note: At GoodBuy Gear, we monitor recalled items very closely and have rigorous safety standards and proprietary technology that flags recalled items. 

What Information Should Be on a Car Seat?

In the case of an accident, EMTs recommend adding the below information to your car seat: 

• Your child’s name and date of birth 
• You and your partner’s name and date of birth 
• Emergency contacts 
• Any medical conditions of your little one 
• Any medications your child is on 

You can write this information on a piece of paper and tape it to the back of your kiddo’s car seat. This is a cautionary step in case you're ever in an accident and are unable to provide this information to firefighters. 

How to Select a Car Seat

Here’s what you need to know before buying a car seat: 

• The stage of car seat your child is in
• Your child’s age, weight and height
• What direction will the child need to face (rear facing or forward facing) 

Allana also shared that parents should “check for any damage to the car seat’s parts and pieces and be sure the box includes everything that is listed in the user manual.” No matter where you buy your car seat, Allana says, “ultimately, a parent should choose a car seat that fits their child, installs properly in their car and one they will use correctly every time.” 

At GoodBuy Gear, we sell open box and gently used car seats. All gently used car seats go through an extensive proprietary safety and inspection process. Learn all about our GoodBuy ™ Car Seat Safety Check here.

How to Properly Install a Car Seat 

Once you have the car seat, the next big hurdle is installing it correctly in your vehicle. Proper installation is key to a car seat performing correctly. The car seat should fit snugly in place. “A tight fit and a locked seat belt are key,” Allana told us. 

“If the car seat is installed using the LATCH system, be sure everything is connected properly and the car seat moves less than one-inch side to side, front to back at the belt path. If the vehicle seat belt is used, be sure it is in the locking mode so the car seat is held tight.” Check your vehicle owner’s manual for assistance too. If you don’t have the vehicle manufacturer's manual, look online to see if one is available.

Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Allana reminds us, “One of the best things is to seek out a CPS Technician to help guide you through it all and give you peace of mind.” If you’re unable to connect with a CPST, Allana says, “Read the car seat manual, follow the instructions and never deviate from them.” 

Other car seat safety and installation resources: 

• You can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for step-by-step instructions

• You can find a list of CPS Technicians near you at Safe Ride 4 Kids
• There are a lot of general videos and resources online
• Oftentimes manufacturers will have installation videos for their models of car seats 

Have more car seat safety questions? Read our guide on Car Seat Compatibility. 

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