Lexi Webster
Installing a baby car seat in Australia can be a daunting task, and it is important to do it correctly as it can increase the risk of injury in an accident if not installed properly. There are various types of baby car seats available, such as baby capsules, ISOFIX seats, and booster seats. Baby capsules are often hired rather than bought as they are only used for around six months. ISOFIX seats are considered more secure as they are firmly attached to the anchorage points in the car. Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their car seats but still require additional support. When installing a baby car seat, it is recommended to consult a professional or refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions.
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What You'll Learn
Using an ISOFIX-compatible car seat
ISOFIX has been a legal requirement on all new cars in the EU since 2006, and you will also find mounting points in older models. To check if your car has ISOFIX points, look for ISOFIX labels or metal loops between the base and back of your car seats, or check your vehicle's handbook.
Once you have determined that your car has ISOFIX points, and that they are compatible with your chosen child car seat, you can install the seat. First, extend the ISOFIX arms on your child car seat and clip them into the connector points in your vehicle. You should hear a distinct click, and see the indicators turn green once the seat is secured correctly. Then, push the child car seat firmly towards the vehicle seat.
If your child's car seat includes a support leg, make sure that the leg is correctly adjusted so the seat is braced against the floor. If your child's car seat has a top tether strap, connect it to the anchor point in the car. Check that the seat belt is firm, untangled, crosses your child's shoulder, rests low against their body, and is tight across their hips.
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Adjusting the car seat as your child grows
As your child grows, you'll need to adjust the car seat's harness and headrest. The straps should sit just above your child's shoulders, and you should be able to perform the 'pinch test'—that is, ensuring that you cannot pinch the straps horizontally at the shoulder. The lap section of the harness should rest across their pelvis, not their stomach.
Children under 7 years of age must use an approved child restraint when travelling in a vehicle. Children up to 6 months old must use a rear-facing car seat. Children aged 6 months to 4 years must use either a rear-facing car seat or a forward-facing car seat with an inbuilt harness. Children aged 4 to 7 years must use a forward-facing car seat with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat.
Children over 12 months old must use a booster seat or wear a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt. Children 7 years and older must continue to use a suitable, approved car seat until they can fit into a lap-sash adult seatbelt. They can use an adult seatbelt when they are big enough for it to fit them correctly.
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Where to install the baby car seat in your car
When it comes to installing a baby car seat, safety is paramount. It is very easy to buy the wrong child seat and install it incorrectly. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you have an authorised fitter install the baby car seat for you, at least for the first time. You can consult your local Kidsafe or motor organisation for a professional child restraint fitting.
If you do decide to install the baby car seat yourself, make sure it fits in your car first. Kidsafe Australia's restraint guidelines recommend that you assess the child restraint anchorage points and use your car manual to establish where those anchorage points are. Unless your car is more than 15 years old, it is likely to have built-in anchor points. You can choose which side of the car to put the seat on, but the safest option is the passenger side.
If you are using an ISOFIX-compatible car seat, you will need to firmly attach the connectors to the anchorage points. You should see ISOFIX logos to highlight these, which will be in the gap between the base and backrest of your car seat. If you don't see ISOFIX points, you'll need to use the less secure seatbelt and top tether fitment.
For a booster seat with a top tether strap, make sure to firmly attach it to the anchor point and pull it tight. Check that the seatbelt is firm, untangled, crosses the child's shoulder, rests low against their body, and is tight across their hips. As your child grows, adjust the car seat harness straps accordingly, and move the shoulder straps so they are just above or level with their shoulders.
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How to strap your baby into the car seat
When strapping your baby into a car seat, it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure your baby's safety. Here are the steps you should take:
First, loosen the harness straps and unbuckle the crotch and chest clips, placing them to the sides of the car seat. Place your baby in the seat, ensuring their back is flat against the back of the car seat. It is recommended to dress your baby in multiple thin layers in cold weather, rather than bulky clothing, as this can interfere with the harness. You can then place a blanket over your baby, tucking it in, to keep them warm.
Next, slip the harness straps over your baby's shoulders, ensuring they are flat and not twisted. The straps should be at or slightly below your baby's shoulders. Bring the harness straps through the slots, and buckle the crotch buckle, ensuring it is as close to your baby's body as possible. You can then buckle the chest clip, ensuring it sits at armpit level.
Finally, tighten the harness straps until they are snug and comfortable. You will know they are tight enough when you cannot pinch any excess fabric along your baby's shoulder. Check both clips and the harness straps one more time to ensure your baby is securely strapped into the car seat.
Remember to always refer to your car seat's instruction manual for specific guidance on strapping your baby in and adjusting the harness as they grow.
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Hiring vs buying a baby car seat
In Australia, it is a legal requirement that all children are safely secured in the right child restraint or car seat for their age, size, and development. When considering whether to hire or buy a baby car seat, there are several factors to take into account.
Firstly, cost is an important consideration. The cost of buying a baby capsule can be similar to that of a convertible car seat, which can be used from birth to four years. If you are budget-conscious, hiring a baby car seat may be a more affordable option. Some companies offer monthly rental packages, which can be around half the price of buying a new car seat. Additionally, some car rental companies, such as Avis and Budget, provide the option to rent a child safety seat at an additional fee when booking a car.
Secondly, the duration of use should be considered. Most capsules are typically used for around six months, depending on the size of the baby. If you plan to have multiple children and use the car seat for an extended period, buying a convertible car seat that can be used for several years may be more cost-effective than renting. However, if you only need a car seat for a short period, such as during travel or for occasional use, hiring may be a more flexible and economical choice.
Thirdly, safety is a critical factor. All car seats sold in Australia must meet mandatory safety standards, and the Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP) independently tests car seats to ensure they meet or exceed these standards. When hiring a car seat, ensure the company conducts a safety check before issuing it. Additionally, be cautious when considering second-hand car seats, as they may not meet current safety standards or may have been involved in an accident.
Lastly, compatibility and convenience are important aspects. Not all car seats are suitable for all vehicles, so it is essential to try the car seat in your vehicle to ensure a correct and secure fit. When buying, consider the compatibility with your stroller, as you may need adaptors. Also, check the ease of moving the car seat, the ease of cleaning, and the availability of experienced staff to guide you in making the right choice.
In conclusion, both hiring and buying a baby car seat have their advantages. Hiring may be more cost-effective for short-term use, while buying can be more economical in the long run. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, budget, and the duration for which you require the car seat.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you have an authorised fitter install your baby car seat for you, at least for the first time. If you do decide to install it yourself, make sure it fits in your car first. You can consult your car manual to establish where the anchorage points are. If your car seat is ISOFIX compatible, firmly attach the connectors to the anchorage points. If not, use the seatbelt and top tether fitment.
ISOFIX child seats are more secure and don't wobble in your car. They feature a portable carrier that fits within a hard shell and is anchored to the car using an adjustable harness. The connectors should be attached to the anchorage points, and the straps should be tightened until a green line pops up on each indicator.
Australian baby car seat installation laws stipulate that you keep your child facing rearward for the first six months, but you should leave them rear-facing for as long as they physically fit. The back seat is the safest place for a car seat, and rear-facing car seats provide extra protection for your baby's head, neck and spine.
The harness straps should be placed over the baby's shoulders, through the slots located at or below their shoulders. Buckle the harness and chest clip, and tighten until snug. You should not be able to pinch any extra material at the baby's shoulder. Bulky clothing or blankets can prevent a snug fit, so always buckle the baby in first and then place coats or blankets over the harness.
