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At Tyres and More we understand child restraint rules can be
confusing. In fact latest research shows that misuse of child
restraints (possibly due to this confusion) is as high today as it
was 20 years ago. And unfortunately, this confusion, use of the
incorrect child restraint or poor fitting often results in
unnecessary harm to our kids.
Incorrectly fitted child restraints are
dangerous
In the main, confusion comes from the age regulations imposed by
the government versus a height and weight recommendation from Child
Restraint manufacturers. The reality is that both need to be taken
into account to ensure maximum protection.
As Australia's largest certified child restraint fitters, Tyres
and More in many locations around Australia, can help you chose the
appropriate child restraint for your needs and/or fit your own
child restraint.
So what are the national Child Restraint Rules released in
2010?
- Newborns and babies up to 6 months of age must be in a rearward
facing, correctly fitted child restraint.
- For children 6 months to under 4 years, either a rearward or
forward facing correctly fitted restraint is required.
- Children aged 4years to 7 years must be secured in a forward
facing restraint or booster seat that is fitted correctly.
- Children under 4 years may not travel in the front seat of a
car where the car has two or more rows.
- Children aged between 4 and 7 years must not travel in the
front seat of a vehicle that has two or more rows unless all the
other back seats are occupied by children who are also under 7
years travelling in an approved child restraint.
Tips for child restraint progression.
- The most important tip is to read and understand the
manufacturer's instructions and to use your child's shoulder height
as a trigger for possibly changing the current restraint. If your
child has reached the maximum shoulder height then it is time to
progress to the next child restraint.
- If you would like to move your child into a new restraint but
their shoulders are below the minimum shoulder height on the new
child restraint regardless of their age, it is safer to keep them
in their existing child restraint.
- Your child should be kept in a child restraint regardless of
age until they are too big. This provides maximum protection.
- Many injuries are caused from poorly fitted seat belts. When
using a lap sash belt the lap belt must fit low over the hip. The
sash must sit neatly in the middle of the shoulder and not near the
neck.
- Use second hand Child Restraints with caution as restraints can
show signs of wear that may be dangerous. If you do inherit a
second hand child restraint we suggest one of our certified child
restrain fitters gives it a once over just while fitting, just to
ensure the safety of your family.
- Tyres and More stock Tummy shields to protect your unborn child
as well. Tummy shields work by deflecting impact from the abdomen
to the thigh area in the case of an accident.
Remember, Australia has extremely high requirements for car seat
safety - one of the toughest in the world. When these restraints
are then fitted correctly, this provides maximum protection for our
children. Be sure when purchasing second hand products or through
online means that your child restraint complies the Australian/ New
Zealand 1754. And should you need any assistance with ensuring your
restraint is fitted correctly, ensure you go to a certified child
restraint fitter such as Tyres and More.
To find out more about keeping your kids safe, contact your local Tyres and More Child
Restraint Fitting store. Your children are priceless and with
costs starting at just $35 for correct fitting, it may be the best
money you can spend for peace of mind.
This information has been compiled from public sources
including the RTA and the ACRI (Australian Restraint Resource
Initiative Newsletter 2011) and is supplied as a public service for
educational purposes only.
