Choosing and installing a child restraint
Child restraints sold in Australia have been tested to meet strict standards.
Before you buy a child restraint:
- Look for the sticker to make sure it meets the Australian standard AS/NZS 1754
- Make sure the restraint is the right one for your child’s age and size
- Do not use a damaged restraint or a restraint that is more than 10 years old.
When installing a restraint:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- If you have questions or need help, use a professional fitting service.
If you purchase a car restraint overseas, it won't have been tested to comply with the Australian Standard.
It's not legal to use a child car restraint in Australia that doesn't meet the Australian Standards.
Which child car restraint is the safest?
Some car restraints are tested by the Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP) as well as the Australian standard. CREP gives restraints a safety rating from 1 to 5 stars.
The rating shows:
- how well the restraint protects a child in a crash
- how easy the restraint is to use correctly.
CREP testing is stricter than the Australian Standard. Even a 1-star CREP rating meets high safety requirements.
You can use CREP to find and compare child car restraints.
Buying a second-hand child car restraint
If you’re thinking of buying or borrowing a second-hand child restraint, make sure it:
- meets the Australian Standard
- comes with all parts and instructions
- has not been in a crash
- is not more than 10 years old from the date of manufacture, which will be printed on the restraint
- has no splits, cracks or stress marks on its shell
- does not have frayed, worn or damaged straps
- has buckles that work properly.
If you are buying a child restraint through an online platform, it’s important to check to make sure it meets the Australian Standard first. It can sometimes be hard to see from online photos what condition the child restraint is in.
How to install and adjust child car restraints
In Australia, more than 70% of child restraints are installed or used incorrectly. This can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
Common problems include:
- Top tether straps that are twisted, attached to the wrong point, or not attached to an anchor point
- Harness straps that are twisted or not adjusted to the child’s height
- Seatbelts that are loose or not threaded through the correct seatbelt path
- ISOFIX attachments that are not connected properly
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a child restraint or booster seat.
If possible, try the child restraint in your vehicle before you buy it. Some child car restraints may be difficult to fit in smaller vehicles, especially if you are trying to fit two or more child restraints in the back seat.
Child restraint fitting stations
Fitting stations are available throughout Victoria.
Trained child restraint fitters can:
- help you install your child restraint
- check that the restraint is installed correctly
- some can install an anchor point in your car if needed.
At your appointment, you can ask questions and ask the fitter to show you how to adjust or use the restraint.
This can help you feel more confident using the seat as your child grows.
Find a fitting station: