Children's car seats

All children's car seats (child restraints) for sale must comply with at least one of three standards: the US standard FMVSS213; the European standard ECE44 or the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1754.

These standards require impact testing to make sure the restraint will provide a satisfactory level of protection in a crash.

The type of child restraint you need depends on the age and size of the child, from a rear-facing capsule for babies through to car seats or a booster seat for older children.

What to look for

• One of the three standards marks.
• Don't buy a restraint that's been in a crash - and ask the seller whether it has been.
  
• Check for a date of manufacture or a "do not use after" date. Don't use a restraint that is more than 10 years old or has passed its expiry date.
• Check for signs of deterioration such as fraying harness straps or cracks in the shell. Faded seat material indicates the restraint has been exposed to sunlight for a long time - this can cause the plastic shell to become brittle.
• A user manual - this will tell you the age and size of child for which the seat is recommended.

Tip: For technical advice about choosing and using a child restraint go to a Safe2go technician. You can find one through Plunket or a retailer, or on the Safe2go website.

Internet buying warning

People wishing to sell a child restraint through Trade Me must confirm their product carries a standard mark and that it's less than 10 years old. But we strongly advise not buying a second-hand child restraint over the internet. You can't reliably check its age or history and signs of damage or wear may not be visible in a photo.

There are several organisations that hire out child restraints - see www.childrestraints.co.nz.

More information

• www.landtransport.govt.nz
• Child car seats - our report on buying a car seat, including types, installation and a buying checklist