Child safety in the car | Better Health Channel

Summary

Children must be restrained in a car or other moving vehicles. Babies, toddlers and children should all be placed in suitable car restraints such as a bassinet, child car seat or booster seat. Cars can also become very hot so never leave a baby or child alone in a car, even in mild weather.

Taking care to restrain your children properly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries in a crash. By law, all passengers must be restrained at all times when travelling in a car in Australia.

Children should be restrained using the right car seats for their size and weight. There are other things you can do to make travelling with children safer and less stressful for everyone.

Car seats
All car restraints must comply with Australian Safety Standards. When fitted correctly, car restraints are very effective. To use car restraints correctly:

  • Choose a restraint that will fit your vehicle and which you can adjust easily.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting and using the restraint.
  • Check that the restraint is fitted correctly every time you put the child in the car.
  • Visit a Restraint Fitting Station for assistance (contact RACV or VicRoads).
Babies
For babies up to six months of age (9 to 12kg* or 700 to 850mm long):
  • Use a rearward-facing restraint as this is the safest way to travel.
  • Every time you use the restraint, check that the body band or harness is adjusted so that it fits the baby as snugly as possible.
  • If you use a baby rug, place it over the baby after you have secured the baby into the restraint.
  • Adjust the shoulder straps as the baby grows.
*Limits vary. Check the weight marked on the restraint.

Toddlers
For toddlers from approximately six months to four years (8 to 18kg):
  • Use a forward-facing child car seat that is attached using an adult seat belt and an upper tether strap.
  • Every time you use the restraint, check that the seat belt is firm and that the straps fit snugly and are not twisted.
  • Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to adjust the harness system and the shoulder straps as the child grows.
  • Use the child car seat until your child has outgrown the restraint.
Children
For children who have outgrown their child car seat (or weigh between 14 and 26kg), use one of the following options:
  • An h-harness in combination with a booster seat.
  • A booster seat that raises the height of the child so that an adult seat belt fits properly.
  • Whichever option you choose, use a booster seat until the height of the child’s eyes are at the same level as the vehicle seat back or headrest.
Options for children with special needs
Children with special needs, such as those who are in plaster casts or who have medical conditions or developmental delay, may require a specialised restraint. This may include one of the following:
  • The ‘TADVIC’ (Technical Aids for the Disabled) buckle cover, which prevents children from undoing the seat belt buckle
  • A ‘special needs harness’ for when a child cannot be secured into a child seat.
  • Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and paediatricians can often suggest options for transporting children with special needs.
Bassinet Loan Scheme
The Bassinet Loan Scheme allows parents and carers of children to hire infant restraints for the time required. Some loan schemes are operated by local councils or they will direct you to the nearest supplier. There is usually a bond and a fee for the hire of a restraint.

Travelling with children
Travelling with children can be trying. The following tips may help reduce the stress for everyone:
  • Praise or reward good behaviour.
  • Explain to children that you can’t go anywhere unless the seat belts are all buckled.
  • Talk or sing with children or play an audiotape to make the time pass more quickly.
  • Play special games such as ‘I spy’.
  • If travelling long distances by aeroplane or train, take your child seat or harness with you.
  • If you have both an active toddler and a baby, take the baby out of the car safely before the active toddler gets out.
  • Take regular breaks when driving to minimise the distress to both driver and passengers.
  • Secure loose objects (toys and other items) that could fly about in a car crash and injure your passengers. Pets should also be restrained.
  • Avoid heat stroke. It is illegal to leave children (or pets) in a car unattended, even for a short time. The temperature in the car can reach dangerously high temperatures in a short period of time.
  • The Royal Children’s Hospital, Safety Centre has information (in English and a range of other languages) on keeping your children safe in the car.
Where to get help Things to remember
  • By law, children must be restrained at all times when travelling in a car in Australia.
  • Make sure you choose the right restraint for your child and your vehicle.
  • Restraints need to be fitted and used correctly.
  • Travelling with children can be trying but there are things you can do to make the journey easier and safer.
You might also be interested in: Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Safety Centre- Royal Childrens Hospital
(Logo links to further information)
Safety Centre- Royal Childrens Hospital

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: February 2009

The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.



This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. The information provided was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2010  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.