Lexi Webster
Installing a rear-facing car seat in Australia is a simple process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure your child's safety. In Australia, children under seven years old must use an approved child restraint when travelling in a vehicle. This can be a rear-facing or forward-facing child car seat, or a booster seat. When choosing a car seat, it's important to consider your child's height and weight, rather than just their age. This guide will take you through the steps of installing a rear-facing car seat, so you can feel confident that your child is safe and secure on the road.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of child | Australian law requires children up to 6 months old to use a rear-facing car seat. Children aged 6 months to 4 years must use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat. Children aged 4 to 7 years must use a forward-facing car seat. |
| Type of car seat | There are two main types of car seats: convertible and capsule. Convertible car seats can be used in the rear-facing position until the child is 12 months old, and can then be converted to forward-facing. Capsules are used from newborn up to 12 months. |
| ISOFIX | ISOFIX is a system that allows for a more secure and wobble-free installation of a car seat. ISOFIX points are located in the gap between the base and backrest of the car seat, and are indicated by ISOFIX logos. If ISOFIX is not available, a seatbelt and top tether fitment can be used instead. |
| Top tether | The top tether strap should be pulled tight and secured to prevent choking hazards and excessive movement of the car seat. It should be rolled up and attached to the top tether anchor point. |
| Installation process | To install a rear-facing car seat, first set the base at the correct angle and pull out the stabiliser bar. Place the child seat in the car with the stabiliser bar against the backrest. Pull out the ISOFIX buckles and lock them into place. Tighten the ISOFIX straps until green indicators appear on both connectors. |
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What You'll Learn
Using ISOFIX child seats
ISOFIX is recognised as the industry standard for child car seats in Australia. It is designed to make car seats easier to install and reduce the risk of incorrect installation, which is estimated to affect more than 80% of traditional child car seats.
ISOFIX is generally recommended for younger children or parents who prioritise ease of installation and stability. The system is also much safer and provides a firmer hold compared to seatbelt-restrained car seats. It is important to note that ISOFIX systems can only be used up to 33kg, which is the combined weight of the seat and the child. This typically translates to a child's weight limit of 18kg.
To install a rear-facing child seat with ISOFIX in a dual cab ute, follow these steps:
- Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, facing backwards. Ensure it sits flat and even to prevent tipping. Check the recline angle in the manual—most RF seats are set at 40–45 degrees to reduce head flopping.
- Set the base at the rear of the child seat to the correct angle for your child. There are likely to be decals on the side to guide you.
- Pull out the stabiliser bar from the front of the child seat and set it against the vehicle seat's backrest.
- Locate the ISOFIX points in your vehicle. Attach the ISOFIX connectors from the child seat to these points.
- Tighten the ISOFIX straps while pressing down on the child seat base. Ensure green indicators appear on both connectors for proper installation.
- Bring the Top Tether strap around the sides of the child seat, ensuring it is flat, untwisted, and tight. Avoid lifting the child seat off the vehicle seat when tightening.
- Roll up and secure any excess Top Tether strap to prevent it from becoming a hazard.
- Confirm that the child seat is stable and doesn't move excessively.
It is crucial to read your car and child seat manuals before installing a rear-facing child seat. If you are unsure, you can always seek the expertise of a local child seat fitter to ensure the seat is correctly installed.
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Choosing the right side of the car
When installing a rear-facing child car seat in Australia, choosing the right side of the car is crucial for safety and convenience. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Safety Considerations:
- Airbags: Ensure the car seat is installed in the back seat, as it is unsafe to place a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat due to the risk of airbag deployment in an accident. Check your vehicle's manual to understand the airbag system and any specific recommendations or restrictions regarding child restraints.
- Crash Protection: The centre rear seat is considered the safest position for a child restraint as it provides equal protection in side-impact crashes on both sides of the vehicle. Placing the child restraint in one of the outboard seats (behind the driver or passenger) may offer easier access, but keep in mind that it leaves the child more vulnerable on the side without a door next to them.
- Seat Belt Configuration: Inspect the configuration of your car's seat belts. For installing a rear-facing child restraint, you typically need a longer seat belt to get a tight installation. Some vehicles have longer seat belts on one side, so check the length and consider choosing the side with the longer belt.
Convenience and Accessibility:
- Ease of Use: Consider choosing the side of the car that allows for easier access when installing and adjusting the car seat. The side with more space and better accessibility will make the process of securing your child in the restraint more convenient.
- Parental Preference: If you are the sole caregiver and have a preference for driving with your child on a particular side, choose that side. This ensures your peace of mind and makes it more convenient for you to attend to your child's needs while driving.
- Entry and Exit: Evaluate the ease of entry and exit from the vehicle on both sides. Opt for the side that offers more space and a smoother process when getting your child in and out of the car seat, especially in tight parking spots or busy car parks.
Remember, while convenience is important, safety should always be the top priority when choosing the right side of the car for installing a rear-facing child car seat. Refer to the car seat manual, vehicle handbook, and local regulations for specific guidelines and requirements to ensure a correct and secure installation.
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Setting the correct angle
To set the correct angle, first, place the child seat on the vehicle seat, facing backward. Ensure that the seat is placed flat and even to prevent tipping. Then, locate the ISOFIX points in your car. These points are usually located in the gap between the base and backrest of your car seat and are marked with ISOFIX logos. If your car does not have ISOFIX points, you will need to use the seatbelt and top tether fitment instead.
Once you have located the ISOFIX points, attach the ISOFIX connectors from the child seat to these points. Tighten the ISOFIX straps while pressing down on the child seat base to secure it in place. Make sure that green indicators appear on both connectors, confirming that the child seat is properly installed.
In some vehicles, such as the Nissan Navara, the top tether anchor points may be woven loops behind the seatbacks instead of metal hooks. Bring the top tether strap around the sides of the child seat, ensuring it is flat, untwisted, and tight. Avoid lifting the child seat off the vehicle seat while tightening the strap.
By following these steps and adjusting the angle according to the recommendations in the manual, you can ensure that your rear-facing car seat is installed securely and safely for your child's comfort and protection.
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Using the stabiliser bar
The stabiliser bar is an important component of a rear-facing car seat installation. It helps to prevent the seat from rotating in the event of a crash and provides additional stability. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the stabiliser bar effectively:
Step 1: Identify the Stabiliser Bar
The stabiliser bar is typically a metal bar that extends from the base of the car seat. It may have a U-shape or a straight bar design, depending on the car seat model. It is designed to rest on the vehicle's back seat, providing a stable base for the car seat.
Step 2: Position the Stabiliser Bar Properly
Place the car seat in the desired seating position, ensuring it's in the rear-facing orientation. Adjust the car seat's angle so that it sits level, or slightly tilted back, following the manufacturer's instructions. Position the stabiliser bar so that it rests firmly on the vehicle's seat, extending towards the seat back. Ensure that it is centred and does not interfere with any seat controls or levers.
Step 3: Secure the Stabiliser Bar
Some car seats may have a mechanism to lock the stabiliser bar in place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to engage this locking mechanism securely. If your car seat doesn't have a locking feature, ensure that the stabiliser bar is firmly wedged against the vehicle's seat back. You may need to adjust the car seat's position or the angle of the stabiliser bar to achieve a secure fit.
Step 4: Check for Stability
Once the stabiliser bar is in place, check the car seat for stability. Grip the car seat at the belt path (where the seatbelt or ISOFIX anchors are located) and try to tip it forward and side to side. There should be minimal movement, indicating a secure installation. If there is excessive movement, adjust the stabiliser bar and ensure the car seat is properly secured to the vehicle's anchors.
Step 5: Final Checks
After installing the car seat with the stabiliser bar, perform final checks to ensure it is installed correctly. Check that the car seat is locked into place securely and doesn't move more than 2.5 cm side to side or front to back. Ensure the seatbelt or ISOFIX connection is tight and secure, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper routing. Finally, consult the car seat manual to confirm that all specific requirements for your model have been met.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the stabiliser bar is utilised effectively, providing added stability and safety for your rear-facing car seat installation. Remember to always refer to the car seat's instruction manual and vehicle handbook for any model-specific variations or additional instructions.
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Attaching the top tether strap
Locate the Top Tether Anchor: Start by identifying the top tether anchor point in your vehicle. These anchor points are typically found on the rear shelf behind the seat or on the back of the vehicle seat itself. Refer to your car's user manual to determine the exact location of the top tether anchor points in your specific vehicle model.
Adjust the Top Tether Strap: Once you've located the anchor point, adjust the length of the top tether strap on your child's car seat so that it reaches the anchor point comfortably. Make sure the strap is not twisted and is routed properly according to the instructions in your car seat manual.
Attach the Top Tether Strap: Secure the top tether hook or connector firmly to the anchor point. Some car seats have a top tether hook that simply needs to be engaged, while others may have a connector that needs to be threaded through the anchor. Ensure that the connection is secure and tight.
Tighten the Strap: After attaching the top tether strap to the anchor, carefully tighten it to remove any slack. The strap should be pulled taut, but not overly tight. Refer to your car seat manual for specific instructions on how tight the strap should be and the recommended method for tightening.
Check for Movement: Once the top tether strap is attached and tightened, check to ensure that the car seat is securely installed and does not move more than 2.5 cm side-to-side or front-to-back. If it does, adjust the strap accordingly and ensure that it is securely connected to the anchor point.
Remember, the top tether strap is an essential component of your child's car seat installation, providing critical support and stability in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Always consult your car seat manual and vehicle user manual for specific instructions and ensure that the top tether strap is properly attached and adjusted before each use.
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Frequently asked questions
First, place the child seat on the vehicle seat, facing backwards. Make sure it sits flat and even to prevent tipping. Check the recline angle in the manual—most RF seats are set at 40–45 degrees to reduce head flopping. Then, locate the ISOFIX points in your car and attach the ISOFIX connectors from the child seat to these points. Tighten the ISOFIX straps while pressing down on the child seat base. Ensure green indicators appear on both connectors for proper installation.
ISOFIX points are the low anchorage points in your car where you can attach the ISOFIX connectors from the child seat. You should see ISOFIX logos to highlight these. If you don't see ISOFIX points, you'll need to use the less secure seatbelt and top tether fitment.
By law, children aged up to at least 7 years must use either a rear-facing child car seat, forward-facing car seat or a booster seat when travelling in motor vehicles. Children up to 6 months must use a rear-facing car seat, and children aged between 6 months and 4 years must use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat.
