By law, children must be restrained at all times when travelling in a car in Australia. All Australian car restraints must comply with Australian Safety Standards. When fitted correctly, car restraints have proven to be very effective in preventing injuries to children in a crash. It is essential that the car restraint manufacturer's instructions be followed exactly. Take the time to check that the restraint is fitted correctly every time you put the child in the car.

When choosing a restraint it is important to consider whether it will fit into your vehicle, will passengers in the front seats be comfortable with the restraint in place, is there enough head room in the vehicle to allow you to lift the child in and out of the restraint, and are the seat belt and tether straps long enough to secure the restraint. There are two ways of attaching the tether strap to your vehicle. These are the anchor bolt (pre 1992) which has a key hole fitting and the anchor bolt (post 1992) which has a hook fitting.


Baby restraints
Babies which weigh up to 9kg or are up to 700mm long (usually up to 6 months of age) are most suitably restrained in a rearward-facing infant restraint. Infant restraints face rearward as most crashes occur in a forward position. The impact is distributed and jarring of the neck and head is minimised. Infant restraints utilise an upper tether strap and a rear adult seat belt.

These restraints are commonly referred to as a 'baby capsule'.

It is recommended that your baby stay in a rearward facing position for as long as possible as this is the safest way to travel.

Every time you use an infant restraint you must check that the body band or harness is adjusted so that it fits the baby as snugly as possible.

If you use a baby rug, place it over the baby after you have secured the baby into the restraint.

Shoulder straps will need to be adjusted as the baby grows so that they come from the slots closest to the baby's shoulders.


Toddler seats
Children weighing between 8 and 18kg or approximately 6 months to 4 years are most suitably restrained in forward-facing toddler seats. Toddler seats are attached to the car using an adult seat belt and an upper tether strap.

Toddler seats have a six point harness system to secure the child.

Every time you use the restraint you need to check that the seat belt is firm and that the straps are tightened to fit snugly and are not twisted.

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you know how to adjust the harness system.

The shoulder straps will need to be adjusted as the child grows to ensure that they come from the slots closest to the child's shoulders.

Continue to use the toddler seat until your child has outgrown the restraint.


Booster seats
Booster seats are available for children who have outgrown their toddler seat or weigh between 14 and 26kg. These limits vary according to different seats so check the manufacturer's guidelines. A booster seat raises the height of the child so that the adult seat belt fits the child properly.

It is best to wait until the child understands not to touch the seat belt before promoting him or her to the booster seat.

Booster seats are held in place by the child's body and the lap sash seat belt in the car. It is recommended that an h-harness be used in combination with a booster seat.

Children should use a booster seat until the height of the child's eyes are at the same level as the vehicle seat back or head rest.

Some booster seats have 'horns' or guides to help ensure that the seat belt is passing around the child at the correct level. Alternatively a sash guide can be purchased and used with an adult lap sash belt.


H-harnesses
Child harnesses are suitable for children weighing between 14 and 32kg. An h-harness looks similar to a racing driver's harness. It has two straps coming down over each shoulder and a connecting strap between the two. H-harnesses are used with a seat belt.

Harnesses can be used with a booster seat until the child grows out of the seat and then alone in the rear seat of the car. Some harnesses are supplied with a buckle which allows the harness to be used with lap/sash belts.

Harnesses are very useful when travelling in a taxi or transporting extra children whom you do not have a child seat for as they are very portable.


Special needs
Children with special needs such as those who are in plaster casts and others who have medical conditions or developmental delay, sometime require specialised restraint options.

The safety consultants at the Safety Centre can assist in finding options for transporting children with special needs.

The 'TADVIC' buckle cover is designed so that children cannot undo the seat belt buckle.

The 'Securap' is a band which brings the shoulder straps of toddler seats closer together so that young children cannot flex their arms out of the harness system.

A 'special needs harness' is available when a child cannot be secured into a child seat.

Occupational therapists and paediatricians can often suggest options for transporting children with special needs.


Bassinet Loan Scheme
This is a scheme whereby parents and carers of children can hire infant restraints for the time required.

Some loan schemes are operated by local councils or they will direct you to the nearest supplier.

There is a bond and a fee for the hire of a restraint. The Safety Centre can provide information on distribution outlets.


Travelling with children
Travelling with children can be a trying time. Remember to allow a little extra time so that tension is minimised. Praise good behaviour.

Often children try to escape from their restraint. Handle this problem as soon as it starts by explaining the rules that you can't go anywhere unless the seat belts are all buckled. Reward good behaviour.

Talk or sing when you are travelling with children to make the time pass more quickly. Save special games to be played in the car such as 'I spy' so that children realise that travelling is a special time.

If travelling long distances by aeroplane or train, it is a good idea to take your child seat or h-harness with you. Airlines are very helpful and you will be able to use it when you get to your destination.

If you have both an active toddler and a baby, take the baby out of the car safely before the active toddler gets out.

Take regular breaks when driving to minimise the distress to both driver and passengers.