A baby car seat is the most important thing you will buy before your baby arrives. In the US, the road safety agency NHTSA says car seats cut the risk of death in a crash by 71% for infants. In Australia, every child under 7 must use an approved child restraint. Ready to shop a safe baby car seat? Learn four things first: the law, the label, the fit and your child’s age. Each one takes minutes. Each one matters in a crash. Here is what to know, in the order you will need it, before you spend a cent.
Why Does Rear-Facing Matter So Much?
A rear-facing seat holds a baby’s head, neck and back together in a crash. A baby’s neck is weak and their head is big, so that support counts. A 2007 study in Injury Prevention found children under 2 were 75% less likely to be killed or badly hurt when rear-facing. Australian law says babies under 6 months must be rear-facing. Many seats let you go longer. Rear-facing is the closest thing to a free safety upgrade. Keep your baby rear-facing for as long as the seat allows.
Which Seat Fits Which Age?
Australian rules follow your child’s age. This table shows the national basics. Rules vary a little by state, so check yours.
| Age | Seat type | Facing |
|---|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | Infant capsule or convertible seat | Rear |
| 6 months to 4 years | Seat with built-in straps | Rear or forward |
| 4 to 7 years | Strapped seat or booster | Forward |
Who Should Fit the Seat?
A trained fitter should. Kidsafe, Australia’s child safety group, warns that many seats are fitted or used wrongly. A loose strap or a missing top tether can undo a good seat. Many seats need a top tether strap, and fitters know where your car’s anchor point is. Book a check with an approved fitter before the baby arrives. Ask them to show you how to do it yourself. Not in the hospital car park.
What Should You Check Before You Buy?
- A sticker showing the Australian standard, AS/NZS 1754
- A seat that fits your car, so test it in the back seat
- A top tether anchor point in your car, if the seat needs one
- Safety ratings at childcarseats.com.au
- Straps you can adjust with one hand
- An expiry date, since many seats last about 10 years from when they are made
How Tight Should the Straps Be?
Snug. After you buckle your baby in, try to pinch the strap at the shoulder. If you can pinch a fold of strap, pull it tighter. Do the pinch test on every trip. The chest clip or buckle sits level with the armpits. Skip thick winter jackets under the straps. Puffy coats leave a gap. Use a blanket on top instead.
Do You Need an ISOFIX Seat?
Not always, but it can help. ISOFIX seats clip onto anchor points built into the car. That can make fitting simpler, and a simple fit is easier to get right. Check your car’s manual first. Not every car has these points. If yours does not, a seat held by the seatbelt is a fine choice when fitted well.
Should You Buy a Second-Hand Seat?
No. Buy new. Check the label for a manufacture date. You cannot see crash damage, and a seat that has been in a crash should be replaced. You also cannot know a seat’s age or how it was stored. A new seat costs more now and saves worry later. Skip overseas seats too. US and EU seats do not meet the Australian standard.
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