Children under 6 months of age must use a rearward facing child restraint and travel only in the rear row of a motor vehicle. If your vehicle does not have a rear row, this does not apply. However, a rearward facing child restraint cannot be used in the front seat where there is a passenger airbag.
A rearward facing child restraint gives support and protection to the child’s head and neck in a crash.
Because rearward facing travel is safer, you should only move your children to a forward facing child restraint when they have reached the weight or length limit, or upper shoulder height marker of their rearward facing child restraint. Just because a child has turned 6 months does not mean the child is ready to travel in a forward facing child restraint.
A rearward facing child restraint.
Start early. Choosing your child’s first restraint can be a challenge as there are so many to choose from.
When choosing your child’s restraint:
- check that the restraint meets the Australian Standard for child restraints (AS/NZS 1754) by finding the standards sticker on the restraint
- choose the safest restraint for your child. Visit the Child Restraint Evaluation Program website for more information.
Second-hand restraints
- check that the restraint is no more than ten 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 or showing stress marks, buckle is working properly).
Some rearward facing child restraints can be turned around to use as a forward facing child restraint when the child is around 6 months to 12 months of age. Refer to the restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
The VicRoads restraint product tables list the approved child restraints and approved booster seats available to purchase (as at 19 September 2011).
Each rearward facing child restraint must be held in place by the seatbelt and the top tether strap, and must have an inbuilt harness.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the restraint or visit a restraint fitting station for assistance.
When fitting your child in the restraint, the inbuilt harness straps must be level with, or above your child’s shoulders. When your child has outgrown the highest slot they can be moved into a forward facing child restraint.
For restraints with shoulder height markers the restraint can be used until the child’s shoulders reach the upper shoulder height marker.
Choose and use the right restraint
Forward facing child restraints
Booster seats
Adult seatbelts
Child safety harnesses
Frequently asked questions