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Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

When selecting a Child Restraint System for your child, always:

  • Make sure the CRS has a label certifying that it meets the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand standards.

    A Child Restraint System may only be installed if it was approved in accordance with the requirements of relevant regulations.

  • Select a Child Restraint System based on your child’s height and weight. The required label or the instructions for use typically provide this information.

  • Select a Child Restraint System that fits the vehicle seating position where it will be used.

  • Read and comply with the warnings and instructions for installation and use provided with the Child Restraint System.

Child Restraint System types

There are three main types of Child Restraint Systems: rearward-facing, forward-facing and booster Child Restraint Systems.

They are classified according to the child’s age, height and weight.

Rearward-facing Child Restraint System

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  • Extreme hazard! Do not use a rearward facing child restraint on a seat protected by an airbag in front of it!

  • Never install a child or infant restraint in the front passenger’s seat.

    Placing a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat can result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH if the child restraint is struck by an inflating airbag.

A rearward-facing Child Restraint System provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the child. The harness system holds the child in place, and in a collision, acts to keep the child positioned in the Child Restraint Systems and reduce the stress to the fragile neck and spinal cord.

All children under the age of one year must always travel in a rearward-facing Child Restraint System. There are different types of rearward-facing Child Restraint Systems: infant-only Child Restraint Systems can only be used rearward-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 Child Restraint Systems typically have higher height and weight limits for the rearward-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rearward-facing for a longer period of time.

Keep using Child Restraint Systems in the rearward-facing position as long as children fit within the height and weight limits allowed by the Child Restraint System’s manufacturer. It's the best way to keep them safe. Once your child has outgrown the rearward-facing Child Restraint System, your child is ready for a forward-facing Child Restraint System with a harness.

Forward-facing Child Restraint System

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A forward-facing Child Restraint System provides restraint for the child’s body with a harness. Keep children in a forward-facing Child Restraint System with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by your Child Restraint System’s manufacturer.

Once your child outgrows the forward-facing Child Restraint System, your child is ready for a booster seat.

Booster seats

A booster seat is a Child Restraint System designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s seat belt system. A booster seat positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child’s body. Keep your children in booster seats until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.

For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie comfortably across the upper thighs, not the abdomen. The shoulder belt should lie comfortable across the shoulder and chest and not across the neck or face. Children under age 13 must always be properly restrained to minimise the risk of injury in a collision, sudden stop or sudden manoeuvre.