Here's what to look for when choosing a child restraint.

Standard compliance label

There are three standards to look for. See Which standard? for more details.

Top tether strap

This stops the child restraint tipping forward in a crash, so there's less likelihood of serious neck and head injuries from whiplash or from hitting the back of the seat in front.

A top tether strap, rear- and forward-facing, is required by the Australian/New Zealand standard. The US standard also requires it, but for forward-facing restraints only.

Your car will need an anchor point to attach the tether strap to. This will be on the metal of the back parcel tray of a sedan, or in larger vehicles on the floor behind the back seat or other location such as the roof. The tether strap simply clips on to the anchor point like a dog lead and is pulled tight.

Most new cars sold in New Zealand have an anchor point already fitted. If your vehicle doesn't, you can have one put in. Ask your local Plunket for advice on where to get this done. Many garages do it for a very small fee.

Safety harness

At least five securing-points is preferable.

Harness-height options

This lets you adjust the restraint as the child grows taller.

Recline button

This allows the child to sleep comfortably on long journeys.

A high seat-back

A seat may claim to be suitable for children up to 18 kilograms, but a tall child may grow out of a seat with a low back before it reaches the maximum age and weight.

Locking clip

This holds the lap safety belt tight. A locking clip's a good idea, even though it's not required by the Australian/New Zealand standard. Some restraints do not need one so check the instructions.

Lining

Make sure the lining is easy to remove and washable. To protect your car's seat coverings look for a restraint with a mat underneath. Or you can keep a towel in the car instead.

Shop for safety

Plan ahead

Buy or hire your restraint several weeks before you'll need it. This will give you time to get used to installing it.

Always try the restraint in the car before you buy. Not all restraints fit all vehicles - some won't fit when they're in the rear-facing position, and sometimes the safety belt won't be long enough to secure the restraint. If your family has two cars, try the restraint in both.

Ask if any of the retailer's staff have Safe2Go training - Safe2Go is a joint initiative between Land Transport NZ and ACC. Someone who's had this training can advise you on your choice of restraint and show you how to install it properly.

Don't buy second-hand

A second-hand restraint may have been bought overseas and may not comply with safety standards. Or it may have been in an accident. Or the instructions (or extras such as a locking clip) may be missing. Or it may simply be too old.

Over time, plastic can become brittle and the webbing fabric can deteriorate from friction or from exposure to the sun. A restraint that will survive a severe impact in its first few years after manufacture may fail in an accident 10 years later.

If buying a new child restraint is beyond your budget, you can apply to WINZ for a Special Needs grant to buy one.

Hiring

You can hire a child restraint through the Plunket Car Seat Rental Scheme - check your phone book under Plunket to find a contact number for your area. There's a monthly rental charge, plus a bond that's refunded when the seat is returned in good condition.

Plunket also has restraints for short-term hire, for example when a child is visiting you. Some retailers also provide approved restraints for hire. As well, ACC has provided restraints for hiring at a very low cost to various organisations.