Child restraints should always be used when babies and young children travel in cars.
Crash studies show that a restraint may not be safe unless it is properly fitted and adjusted. This is made easy in Australia because there are safety restraint fitting stations.
If you live in another country that doesn't provide a similar service ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. If they have been lost, contact the manufacturer for another copy.
When placing a child in a restraint, remember that snug is safe. make sure that you follow these simple rules for correct use.
* Attach the child restraint exactly as outlined in the manufacturer's instructions using the seat belt and top tether.
*Tighten the straps or body band to fit the child snugly.
*Make sure that you hear the buckle 'click' into place. Check that the buckle is done up by tugging on the straps.
*The sash strap of the seat belt should not lie across the child's face or head. It must sit across the shoulder.
*Blankets or rugs should be placed over the top of the harness or body band, not between the body band or harness and the child. Keep the body band free of fluff.
* Even when your child is sleeping it is very important to make certain the restraint is properly worn and firmly adjusted.
Baby restraints should be in place before the baby is born so that it can be used from the time the baby leaves the hospital. They should be used until the child outgrows it or is at least 8kg or 70cm in length (usually about 6 months). The child should then change to using a child seat.
A child seat should be used from the time they stop using the baby restraint (8kg or 70cm in length) until the child no longer fits; when the child's shoulders are too broad to fit in the seat, or the child's head is above the back of the child seat.
Anchor the child seat firmly to the car using the top tether strap. Attach the seat belt exactly as shown in the instructions. All securing straps need to be as tight as possible. Press the child restraint into the car seat cushion with your body weight to get a really tight fit. Check by tugging on the child seat. it should stay firmly in place. Make sure the harness holding the child is buckled, and the straps fit firmly.
If you live in Australia you can get information on safety restraint fitting stations, rental plans, and restraint selection from the Federal Office of Road Safety on 1800 026 349.
Kidsafe WA on 9 340 8509
TIO on 8946 2289
Ambulance Baby Capsule and Child Restraint fitting and hire (Thank you to the Queensland Ambulance Service for the info)
Glebe area - 9997 4602
Phone 9854 2607
Your local council deals with it.
May the force be with you. The Department of Transport will refer you to the RAA. All the RAA will do is refer you to a mechanic for fitting.
The Department of Urban Services is reputed to help here. Try 132281.
Does it fit in the car? Is the seat belt long enough to go around the restraint? Is it easy to use?
Anchor the baby restraint correctly and firmly to the car using the top tether strap. Attach the seat belt exactly as shown in the instructions. Check that the securing straps are not slack every time you use the restraint. The shoulder straps should be located just above the baby's shoulders or at shoulder height. Make sure that the harness or body band is adjusted to fit firmly around the your baby.
In most parts of Australia baby restraints are available for hire. Child Seats
Specially designed seats for physically challenged children are available.State Contacts
West Australia
Northern Territory
Queensland
OR
Child Accident Prevention Foundation on 3834 1829New South Wales
Kensington area- 9663 2320
Randwick- 9382 6033 Victoria
Tasmania
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Note