Child restraint advice
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Expert advice -
Discounts for members -
Free fitting for members
Here to help keep your children safe in the car
RAA understands the importance of safety when choosing a child restraint, so our Safety Centre consultants are there to provide expert advice to ensure you make the right choice.
We also stock a range of child restraints to suit all ages, plus we offer a fitting service for both members and non-members.
Our experts are here to help
Expert advice
Our team of experts are here to offer you independent advice on everything, from legal requirements to when your child is ready for an adult seatbelt.
Recommended child restraints
To provide the best protection for your child, it’s important to choose the right restraint to suit their size.
Members benefit from discounts on child restraints and accessories.
Book a child restraint fitting
A correctly fitted restraint is critical in keeping your child safe when travelling in your car. That’s why RAA offers free child restraint fittings and checks for members.
Non-members can have a seat fitted for $30 or checked for $15.
Child safety and the law
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Child restraints and the law
Legal requirements
To provide the best protection for your child, it’s important to choose the right restraint to suit their size. You should only move your child to the next type of restraint once they outgrow their current restraint.
Below are RAA’s recommendations for each age/size range:
- Birth to 6 months: rearward facing restraint.
- 6 months to 4 years: rearward or forward facing restraint.
- 4 to 7 years: forward facing restraint or booster seat.
- 7 years and over: booster seat or adult seatbelt.
For more information read our fact sheets, including 'Right child, right restraint, right time' and 'Shoulder height markers'.
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Australian Standard
What you need to know about the Australian Standards for child restraints
South Australian law requires all child restraints to comply and be certified to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754.
This mandatory standard specifies a number of design and performance requirements for child restraints in order to provide maximum protection for children in crashes. Every compliant child restraint will have an 'Australian Standard Approved' sticker.
Other relevant standards are AS/NZS8005 and AS/NZ4370, which respectively provide minimum requirements for accessories to be used with child restrains, and guide prescribers (like occupational therapists, child restraint advisers etc.) to assess children with disabilities and identify and recommend options.
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Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities
RAA can provide support to parents, carers and physiotherapists to ensure that children with disabilities are restrained as safely as possible whilst ensuring compliance with the relevant South Australian legislation.
RAA offers one hour, closed session appointments on Monday and Tuesday afternoons with specialised staff for a small fee.
In conjunction with the child’s physiotherapist, we will assess the child’s needs and identify the best possible restraint options for the child. An ‘Advice to Parents’ form will be provided to assist with any funding requirements (e.g. NDIS).
To make an appointment to have your child’s needs assessed, call RAA’s Safety Centre on 8202 4592.
Assessment fees:
- Members $25
- Non-members $40
Legal requirements
To provide the best protection for your child, it’s important to choose the right restraint to suit their size. You should only move your child to the next type of restraint once they outgrow their current restraint.
Below are RAA’s recommendations for each age/size range:
- Birth to 6 months: rearward facing restraint.
- 6 months to 4 years: rearward or forward facing restraint.
- 4 to 7 years: forward facing restraint or booster seat.
- 7 years and over: booster seat or adult seatbelt.
For more information read our fact sheets, including 'Right child, right restraint, right time' and 'Shoulder height markers'.
What you need to know about the Australian Standards for child restraints
South Australian law requires all child restraints to comply and be certified to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754.
This mandatory standard specifies a number of design and performance requirements for child restraints in order to provide maximum protection for children in crashes. Every compliant child restraint will have an 'Australian Standard Approved' sticker.
Other relevant standards are AS/NZS8005 and AS/NZ4370, which respectively provide minimum requirements for accessories to be used with child restrains, and guide prescribers (like occupational therapists, child restraint advisers etc.) to assess children with disabilities and identify and recommend options.
Children with disabilities
RAA can provide support to parents, carers and physiotherapists to ensure that children with disabilities are restrained as safely as possible whilst ensuring compliance with the relevant South Australian legislation.
RAA offers one hour, closed session appointments on Monday and Tuesday afternoons with specialised staff for a small fee.
In conjunction with the child’s physiotherapist, we will assess the child’s needs and identify the best possible restraint options for the child. An ‘Advice to Parents’ form will be provided to assist with any funding requirements (e.g. NDIS).
To make an appointment to have your child’s needs assessed, call RAA’s Safety Centre on 8202 4592.
Assessment fees:
- Members $25
- Non-members $40
Child restraint training and community workshops
Whether you belong to a community group or need to train your employees on fitting child restraints, our tailored group presentations and practical workshops cover everything you need to know. Our sessions include information around product selection, vehicle preparation, installation, and the latest rules and regulations.
To arrange a time or get a quote for this service, use the online enquiry form or call RAA’s Safety Centre.
Access a world of benefits
We're here to help
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Call us
Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 5pm
Thursday, 9am to 7pm
Saturday, 9am to 12pm -
Enquire online
Want to book a fitting or just after some advice? Send us a message and we'll contact you -
Visit RAA's Safety Centre
Drop in at your convenience – we're at 101 Richmond Road, Mile End -
Help centre
Find answers to frequently asked questions, download helpful fact sheets, or locate a regional fitting centre
Things you should know
Want to arrange a fitting or checking of a child restraint at RAA’s Safety Centre?
You will need to email or call us on 8202 4592 to make a booking.
The service is free to RAA members. Non-members can have a seat fitted for $30 or checked for $15.
Regional fitting centres
We also have fitting centres at Mount Gambier and Angaston.
Want to buy a child restraint from RAA’s Safety Centre?
Just drop in – there’s no need to make a booking.
If you're unable to get to our Mile End centre, call us on 8202 4592 and we’ll deliver your new restraint to any address in South Australia or Broken Hill for a small fee.
RAA members benefit from discounts on child restraints, booster seats and accessories.