Buying checklist

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

Tether strap

Standard compliance label

There are 3 standards to look for. See The 3 standards for more details.

Tether strap

This stops the child restraint tipping forward in a crash. The tether strap must be used for all restraints (rear- and forward-facing) that comply with the Australian/New Zealand standard – otherwise their safety performance will be compromised. Many forward-facing US restraints also use a tether strap, and the latest Isofix standard includes a tether strap. A tether strap doesn't necessarily make a seat safer than a seat designed without a tether, but if the seat has one it must be used - not using it will risk serious injury to the child, or worse.

Height-adjustable seatback

Height-adjustable seatback and side wings

A seat may claim to be suitable for children up to a certain weight but a tall child can grow out of a seat before then. Some forward-facing seats and booster seats have adjustable seatbacks that can be raised as the child grows.

Side wings

It’s estimated that 1 in every 4 crashes involves a side impact. Well-padded side wings can help protect the child in this type of crash. Many wings are height-adjustable so they can “grow” with the child.

Locking clip

This holds the adult safety belt tight when it’s used to install the seat or secure the child into a booster seat. A locking clip is a good idea, even though it's not required by the standards. Some restraints don’t need one – so check the instructions.

Locking clip

Isofix and LATCH

Many late-model cars designed for sale in Europe are fitted with Isofix mounting points. An Isofix-compatible restraint can be snapped into the rear-passenger-seat frame instead of being held by the car's safety belt – so Isofix reduces the likelihood of a restraint being installed incorrectly. The US has a similar system called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Isofix and LATCH seats will fit each other's mounting points. Isofix points can't be added to an older car - they are built into the structure at the factory. However, many late-model cars here have Isofix mounting points, but they may be hidden under the rear seat cushion. Many Holden and Ford cars are designed to be sold in Europe and the US as well as here, and may include Isofix points hidden under the rear seat cushion. They aren’t made obvious because using Isofix is illegal in Australia - it isn't recognised by the AS/NZS child restraint standard. If your car was built in the last 5-6 years, try poking your hand down between the seat back and squab cushions and feel for a metal loop. There should be two loops for each seat. If you’re unsure, you could ask a new-car dealer - they may know if your car has Isofix points.

Safety harness

At least three securing points are required, five points are preferable (and required by the AS/NZS standard).

Isofix and LATCH

Harness-height options

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

Reclining the seat

Many forward-facing and booster seats can be reclined to create either a better fit to the car seat, or to allow the child to sleep more comfortably and safely without its head falling forward. Some seats require the recline angle to be chosen before the seat is installed, which will be inconvenient if you need to adjust the angle often. Some seats allow the angle to be adjusted after installation, using a lever or button.  

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.

Safety tips

• 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.
• Never place rear-facing restraints (including capsules) in the front passenger seat if the car has an airbag that can’t be disabled. In a crash, the airbag will throw the restraint up against the passenger seat and the baby could be seriously injured or killed. Research shows that children are safest in the rear of the vehicle.
• A restraint that’s incorrectly installed or fitted will put a child at risk of serious injury or death. If you’re installing the restraint yourself, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Plunket can also help with installing and fitting the restraint. Retailers may have staff who are Child Restraint Technicians. Technicians have had training and 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 a child restraint

Any restraint needs to keep pace with your child’s growth – which means you’ll need more than one restraint before the child is old enough to use the adult safety belt on its own. What’s more, you may end up using a capsule for only 6 months to a year. So some parents hire capsules and other child restraints from Plunket, hire companies, or a retailer.