Child restraints come in various sizes. Choosing one that’s appropriate for your child can greatly reduce their risk of serious injury in a crash.
When driving with children up to 7 years of age, you must ensure they’re restrained in an Australian Standard (AS) approved child restraint that’s properly fastened, adjusted and appropriate for their age and size.
You should only move your child into the next restraint type when their shoulders go past the maximum height marker on the restraint and they’re no longer comfortable in the seat.
The following information will help you decide which restraint is best for your child and provide general guidance on how to install and fit it correctly.
Designed to fit the smallest passengers, infant carriers are rear-facing restraints that have a stay-in-the-car base and removeable carrier.
Designed to fit the smallest passengers, infant carriers are rear-facing restraints that have a stay-in-the-car base and removeable carrier.
Legally, babies from birth to 6 months in age must be in a rear-facing restraint. Babies are safest if they remain in their rear-facing restraint for as long as possible, ideally until age 2 or when their shoulders go past the maximum height marker.
Most infant carriers will accommodate babies up to 6 or 12 months in age depending on the model, after which they can be moved into a regular rear-facing restraint.
You can hire an infant carrier from Kidsafe Queensland, including special models for low birthweight babies.
The following videos are a source of general information only. Child restraints differ and should always be installed and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Auslan translations are available within the video pop-ups.
Instruction Videos ISOFIX Seatbelt Child placement
Disclaimer: This video is a source of general information only. Child restraints differ and should always be installed and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Opening shot of the backseat of a car with an infant carrier installed via vehicle ISOFIX points.
A woman appears in the next shot and places the infant carrier on the backseat to install. She proceeds to go physically through all the installation steps.
Voiceover: Step 1 – First, place the carrier on the seat so that it is facing the rear of the vehicle.
Check the angle is correct and the front seat isn’t touching the carrier.
Step 2 – Check the angle of the base so that the baby’s back will be at a 45 degree angle.
Step 3 – Now separate the base from the carrier.
Step 4 – Identify the ISOFIX points in the vehicle by locating the ISOFIX markers.
Step 5 – Now connect the restraint to the ISOFIX points.
Tighten both straps evenly.
Check that the ISOFIX indicators are green.
Step 6 – Check that the base is secure by lightly pushing the base.
Step 7 – Place the carrier into the base, again checking the recline angle so that the baby’s back will be at 45 degrees and the baby’s chin will not drop onto its chest.
Step 8 – Next install the tether strap by placing the large loop over the top of the seat and sliding into the brackets at the back.
Check to make sure the belts have no twists.
Step 9 – Check the vehicle manual to identify the correct anchor point.
Step 10 – Attach the long tether to the anchor point, ensuring there are no twists.
Step 11 – Tighten the tether strap, but not too tight. It should feel slightly bouncy like a bungee cord.
Closing shot of the infant carrier completely installed.
Disclaimer: The State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage that may result from reliance on, or the use of, any information contained in this video.
Disclaimer: This video is a source of general information only. Child restraints differ and should always be installed and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Opening shot of the backseat of a car with an infant carrier installed via the vehicle seatbelt.
A woman appears in the next shot and places the infant carrier on the backseat to install. She proceeds to go physically through all the installation steps.
Voiceover: Step 1 – First, place the carrier on the seat so that it is facing the rear of the vehicle.
Check the angle is correct and the front seat isn’t touching the carrier.
Step 2 – Now separate the base from the carrier.
Step 3 – Check the angle of the base so that the baby’s back will be at a 45 degree angle.
Step 4 – Check your manual to find the correct seatbelt path.
Step 5 – Pull the seatbelt out as far as it will go, keeping the seatbelt flat on itself. Step 6 – Locate the seatbelt path on the base.
Now thread the seatbelt through the belt path following the signs, ensuring it is flat with no twists, then click it into the corresponding buckle.
Step 7 – Pull on the belt sash to get tension.
Step 8 – Lightly pull side to side to ensure the base is secure.
Step 9 – Place the carrier into the base, again checking the recline angle so that the baby’s back will be at 45 degrees and the baby’s chin does not drop onto its chest.
Step 10 – Check the vehicle manual to identify the correct anchor point for the tether.
Step 11 – Next connect the long tether to the anchor point, again ensuring there are no twists.
Step 12 – Tighten the tether strap, but not too tight. It should feel slightly bouncy like a bungee cord.
Closing shot of the infant carrier completely installed.
It’s recommended that you check the seatbelt is firmly connected before each trip as it can loosen over time.
Disclaimer: The State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage that may result from reliance on, or the use of, any information contained in this video
Disclaimer: This video is a source of general information only. Child restraints differ and should always be installed and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions
Opening shot of an installed infant carrier in the backseat of a car with an infant in it.
A woman appears in the next shot and places the infant carrier on the backseat to install.
Voiceover: Step 1 – To begin, clip the carrier into the base of the car. Check that it is secure and slide the handle back.
Step 2 – Loosen the harness, unbuckle the straps and place them to the sides.
Step 3 – Place the baby into the carrier ensuring its bottom and back are straight.
The woman places an infant in the carrier and proceeds to go through the steps to safely secure them into the restraint.
Step 4 – Check that the baby’s shoulders are no higher than the maximum height marker.
Step 5 – Position the harness over the baby’s shoulders, make sure it’s coming through the slot in line with or slightly above the baby’s shoulders.
Step 6 – Now check that the buckle is in the correct position. Not too high on the baby’s tummy.
Step 7 – Put the harness tongues into the buckle one at a time.
Step 8 – Now pull the tension strap upwards to tighten the harness.
Step 9 – Check the tightness with one finger between the harness and the child, you shouldn’t be able to pinch the harness.
Step 10 – Check that the baby’s back is flat and at a 45 degree recline and the chin is not touching their chest.
Step 11 – Position the handle in the correct spot for travel.
Step 12- Take the tether ensuring no twists and position it in the slots behind the head of the capsule.
Step 13 – Tighten the tether strap but not too tight… It should feel slightly bouncy like a bungee cord.
Step 14 – Lastly, check the ISOFIX straps or seatbelt remain firmly connected and there is a gap between the restraint and the back of the front seat.
Disclaimer: The State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage that may result from reliance on, or the use of, any information contained in this video.
Designed to be used as a baby’s first child restraint or for those who have outgrown their infant carriers. Unlike an infant carrier, a rear-facing restraint stays installed in the car.
Designed to be used as a baby’s first child restraint or for those who have outgrown their infant carriers. Unlike an infant carrier, a rear-facing restraint stays installed in the car.
Legally, babies from birth to 6 months in age must be in a rear-facing restraint. Babies are safest if they remain in their rear-facing restraint for as long as possible, ideally until age 2 or when their shoulders go past the maximum height marker.
The following videos are a source of general information only. Child restraints differ and should always be installed and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Auslan translations are available within the video pop-ups.
Instruction Videos ISOFIX Seatbelt Child placement
Disclaimer: This video is a source of general information only. Child restraints differ and should always be installed and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Opening shot of the backseat of a car with a rear-facing child car restraint installed via vehicle ISOFIX points.
A woman appears in the next shot and places the child restraint on the backseat to install. She proceeds to go physically through all the installation steps.
Voiceover: Step 1 – First, place the restraint on the seat and make sure the selector is in the rear facing position.
Step 2 – If your restraint has one, pull up the rebound bar and lock it in place.
Step 3 – Next check the recline angle of the restraint so the child’s back will be at 45 degrees and the child’s chin does not drop onto its chest.
If the angle is not correct, refer to the child restraint manual or call a professional type 1 fitter for advice.
Check that the back of the front seat is not touching the restraint.
Step 4 – Locate the ISOFIX points in the vehicle by finding the ISOFIX markers Step 5 – Now connect the restraint to the ISOFIX points.
Push on the base and pull both straps evenly. And check that the indicators are green.
Step 6 – Lightly pull side to side to ensure the base is secure.
Step 7 – Place the tether strap over the back of the seat, checking there are no twists except for a half one behind the adjuster.
Step 8 – Check the vehicle manual to identify the correct anchor point for the tether.
Step 9 – Attach the tether to the rear anchor point.
Step 10 – Tighten the tether strap but not too tight, it should feel slightly bouncy like a bungee cord.
Closing shot of the rear-facing child car restraint completely installed.
Disclaimer: The State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage that may result from reliance on, or the use of, any information contained in this video.
