The rules for child restraints was amended recently to protect our children from injuries sustained in the event of a car accident. Children are to remain in a form of restraint until they are 7 years of age. For infants under 6 months an approved a rearward facing restraint is to be used, and this must only be used in the back seat. For children aged 6 months to under 4 years they must use either an approved rearward or forward facing restraint with an inbuilt harness. Once your child reaches 6 months it doesn’t mean they can be placed in a forward facing restraint. A forward facing restraint can only be used once they meet the weight or length limit for their rearward facing restraint.

Once again children from 4 years to 7 years of age can only be restrained in the back seats. They can use either a forward facing restraint with inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat. Once your child reaches 4 years of age do not place them in a booster seat until they reach the weight limit of 18 kg. It is recommended that children over 7 years of age still travel in the back seat and continue to use their booster seat until they reach 26 kg and meet the height limit of 145cm. For more information on child restraints visit the vic roads website.