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Using a childseat correctly can dramatically reduce the chances of children being killed or injured in a car crash.
Car seats need to be upgraded and changed depending on the age and size of each child.
Under national child restraint laws all children under the age of seven must be secured in the correct car seat.
National child restraint laws:
- Children up to the age of six months must be secured in a rearward facing restraint
- Children aged between six months and four years must be secured in either a rear or forward facing restraint
- Children aged between four years and seven years must be secured in a forward facing restraint or booster seat
- Children aged between seven years old and 16 years old must use a booster seat or a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened
These ages are only a guide and a child’s car seat should not be changed if they are still too small or do not fit the next size up.
It is strongly recommended that children seven years and over stay in their booster seat until they are too tall for them, or until they fit well in a normal seatbelt.
The suggested minimum height to move to a child to an adult seatbelt is 145cm or taller.
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However, if your child is too large for a child car seat specified for their age, they may move to the next level of child car seat.
Have you got the safest car seat for your child?
Compare more than 200 different types of car seats at childcarseats.com.au to select one which is best for your child. Car seats listed on the site have been scientifically tested and rated for safety and ease of use.
Have you fitted and adjusted the seat correctly?
A child car seat that is easier to use is more likely to be used correctly and a correctly fitted child car seat offers better protection.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a child car seat and placing your child in it. Regularly check the fit. Ensure clips and seatbelts are done up and are correctly adjusted. Check that harness straps are not twisted or caught.