As a parent it’s important to know it’s not just infants that need approved child restraints. It’s now law for all children up to 7 years of age to be correctly restrained according to their size and age.
As of 11 March 2010, new child restraint laws will come into effect as a part of the Queensland Governments commitment to improving road safety and to bring the state into line with the national road rules.
All children up to seven years of age will need to be secured in an Australian Safety Standard approved child restraint, such as a capsule, child seat or booster seat according to their age and size.
The following provides a guide for parents and carers to selecting a suitable child restraint.
1. 0 to 6 months – Less than 8kgs – Rearward facing baby capsule or infant restraint
2. 6 months to 1 year – 8 to 12 kgs – Rearward or forward facing infant restraint
3. 6 months to 4 years – 8 to 18 kgs – Forward facing child restraint with built in harness
4. 4 years to 7 years – 14 to 26 kgs – Booster seat with H-harness* or a booster seat with a secured adult seatbelt
* An H-harness can continue to be used with or without a booster seat for a child up to 32 kgs
Safety Tips
1. Babies should change from a rearward to forward facing restraint at approximately 8-12 kgs. This will vary depending on the brand of restraint
2. Young children should progress towards the next level of child restraint once their eye level is above the back of their current restraint, or the harness straps are in excess of 25mm below the child’s shoulder height.
3. Only use restraints which have been approved by Australian Safety Standards
4. Check the manufacturer’s information and product guidelines on the child restraint to ensure correct usage
5. Children can move to an adults seatbelt before 7 years of age if their eye level is above the back of the booster seat
For further information go to www.transport.qld.gov.au/childrestraints or phone 13 23 80.
Please visit Haggus and Stookles E-store. We sell Child’s Safety Harness and other high quality products for your kids there. Visit now, you can find variety of products to choose from!
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