Child car seats are suitable for babies from the time they weigh 8 to 9 kg and can hold their heads up for a reasonable length of time. Use the child car seat until children outgrow the restraint or weigh 18 kg.
Your child car seat must be correctly installed in your vehicle and adjusted properly to fit your child. If it is not, the restraint may not protect your child properly in a crash.
When using a child car seat, follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly or go to a Restraint Fitting Station - their operators have been specially trained to install approved child restraints in a wide variety of vehicles.
When do I need to use a child car seat?
Choose the right car seat
Only use approved car seats
Install the child seat correctly
Adjust the child seat to fit your child
| Type |
Weight |
Age (approx) |
| Child car seats |
8 kg to 18 kg |
6 months to 4 years |
| Convertible restraint - forward facing |
8 - 12 kg to 18 kg |
6 - 12 months to 4 years |
Your child should always be properly restrained in the car, whenever you travel.
- If you have been using a convertible restraint for your baby, turn it forward facing when the baby weighs 8 – 12 kg and has good head control.
- Remember, rearward facing is the safest, so keep the child in that position for as long as possible.
- Always wait until your child has outgrown their current restraint before changing to the next size.
Single purpose child car seat
When choosing a child car seat ask yourself:
- Is my child likely to sleep for long periods while in the car?
- Do I need a car seat that can recline?
- How often will I need to swap the car seat from one car to another? You may need one that is light to carry and easy to install quickly.
- Is the car seat easy to adjust and fit correctly?
- If the seat of the car is contoured, will it affect how the restraint sits on the seat?
Only restraints certified to meet the AS/NZS 1754 standard are approved for use, sale and hire in Victoria.
Using a second-hand restraint can be risky, unless it is less than 10 years old, has never been involved in a serious crash and is in good condition (no signs of wear on straps, plastic shell is not cracked, buckle is working properly). Make sure to also ask for the instruction booklet and all the parts.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly or go to a Restraint Fitting Station - their operators have been specially trained to install approved infant and child restraints in a wide variety of vehicles.Make sure:
- The child seat uses the car seat belt and a tether strap which attaches to the car by an anchor fitting or anchor bolt. Do not use the child car seat on vehicle seats that face rearward or sideways.
- Anchorage points can be found on the parcel shelf in sedans and on the floor or roof area in station wagons, vans and hatchbacks. If your vehicle does not have an anchorage point you will need to get one made.
Note: If a child seat is in seat where there is an airbag, consult the vehicle owner manual for advice on positioning the restraint.
A child can be injured in a crash if the child’s body is not held firmly by the seat harness.
When using a child car seat remember:
- It must be suitable for babies and children weighing up from 8 to 9 kg - 18 kg.
- Shoulder straps should come from slots that are level with or just above the child’s shoulders, though it is safe for them to be up to 25 mm below the child’s shoulders.
- Check every time that the seat belt is firm and the harness straps fit snugly and are not twisted.
- You will need to move the harness straps to higher slots as the child grows.
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