6 months to 4 years of age
Rearward and Forward Facing Child Restraints
Children between the age of 6 months and 4 years must use EITHER an approved rearward facing child restraint OR an approved forward facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness.
Children under 4 years of age must travel only in the rear row of a motor vehicle. If your vehicle does not have a rear row, this does not apply. (Note: When using in a single row vehicle, such as a utility or van, a rearward facing child restraint cannot be used in the front seat where there is a passenger airbag.)
Because rearward facing travel is safer, you should only move your child to a forward facing child restraint when they have reached the weight limit or shoulder height marker of their rearward facing child restraint. Just because a child has turned 6 months does not mean they are ready to travel in a forward facing child restraint.
Although the RAA does not recommend convertible seats for newborn babies, a convertible seat rated up to 12 months rearward facing is recommended as the next restraint after the Baby Safety Capsule. There is mounting evidence that keeping your child rearward facing for longer is the safest option.
Child safety seats should be used until the child outgrows the seat. A child has outgrown the seat when they have reached the maximum weight/height for the restraint or the maximum shoulder height marker. This normally occurs around 4 years of age.
Rearward Facing Installation
Forward Facing Installation
Convertible child safety seats
Safe-n-Sound Safeguard
(Birth to approx.12 months rearward facing then forward facing until approximately 4 years of age)
The Safeguard seat is a compact seat great for smaller vehicles however it does still have the height required to see a child through to 4 years of age which is an improvement on recent models of compact seats.
The narrow base of the Safeguard make it an excellent choice when trying to fit three restraints across the back seat.
The high side wings of the Lifestyle provide excellent side impact protection.
Safe-n-Sound Lifestyle
(Birth to approx.12 months rearward facing then forward facing until approximately 4 years of age)
The Lifestyle seat is a compact seat great for smaller vehicles however it does still have the height required to see a child through to 4 years of age which is an improvement on recent models of compact seats.
The seat features seatbelt lock off clips for the sash part of the seatbelt that help to keep the seat firm when fitted in the forward facing position.
The high side wings of the Lifestyle provide excellent side impact protection.
Good padding provided for newborn babies.
Safe-n-Sound Compaq
(Birth to 12 months rearward facing then forward facing until approximately 4 years of age)
The Compaq seat is a compact seat great for smaller vehicles however it does still have the height required to see a child through to 4 years of age which is an improvement on recent models of compact seats.
The seat features seatbelt lock off clips for the sash part of the seatbelt that help to keep the seat firm when fitted in the forward facing position.
The high side wings of the Compaq provide excellent side impact protection.
The Compaq features the easy harness system where the harnesses are automatically adjusted with the adjustment of the headrest. This makes this seat very easy to use.
Excellent padding for newborn babies.
Safe-n-Sound Meridian
AHR Tilt and Adjust
(Birth to 12 months rearward facing then forward facing until approximately 4 years of age)
The Meridian Tilt and Adjust has tested extremely well in independent crash testing. The large wings of the Active Head Restraint provide excellent side impact protection.
The Meridian Tilt and Adjust has many improvements from the initial Meridian model, making it easier to use. All adjustments for the headrest and harness are made from the front of the seat, eliminating the need for the seat to be removed from the car.
Safe-n-Sound Platinum AHR Air Cushion
(Birth to 12 months rearward facing then forward facing until approximately 4 years of age)
The Platinum Tilt and Adjust has large wings that provide excellent side impact protection.
The air cushions on the sides of the seat maximise head protection by dramatically reducing side impact forces. As the cushion compresses it dispels air at a controlled rate, and this results in the cushion absorbing crash energy. Head accelerations experienced by a child in Platinum AHR Air Cushion are lower and dispersed over a longer period of time.
The Platinum Tilt and Adjust has many improvements from the initial Platinum model, making it easier to use. All adjustments for the headrest and harness are made from the front of the seat, eliminating the need for the seat to be removed from the car.
All recommended seats can be purchased at any RAA shop or online.
RAA fitting service is available by appointment by calling 08 8202 4592 or e-mailing childrestraints@raa.com.au.