In Australia, your child needs to be restrained in a car seat that meets Australian Standards until he/she reaches the age of 7.
Here is a basic rundown of age-appropriate child restraints:
1. Up to 6 months of age – approved rear-facing child restraint;
2. 6 months to 4 years of age – approved rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint with a built-in harness;
3. 4 – 7 years of age – approved forward-facing child restraint with a built-in harness OR in an approved booster seat secured with an adult seat belt or a fastened and adjusted H-Harness.
4. 7+ years – a big kid now! There are 3 options available at this age:
Standard car seat with an adult seat belt;Approved booster seat secured with an adult seat belt or an H-Harness;Or an approved forward-facing child restraint with a built-in harness that is properly adjusted and fastened.
Important things to note:
1. Use a child restraint that is less than 10 years old; 2. Do not use a child restraint that has been in a car accident; 3. Ensure your approved child restraint is properly adjusted and fastened; 4. If your child is not in an approved child restraint (that is properly fastened and adjusted), you can be fined $400 and incur 3 demerit points for each child that is not properly restrained.
Happy motoring,
Airlie Auto :)