Anchor provision:
 

• If your child has wiggled out of their shoulder straps while driving, it’s recommended that you calmly pull your car up as soon and as safe as possible to do so. Refit the harness and check the child is comfortable (Discomfort may be due to ‘bunched’ clothing and this can encourage a child to escape), emphasise to your child the importance of knowing that they can feel the straps over their chest every time they travel.
• Ensure that the harness straps are in the proper level slots (as close to the shoulder height as possible) and that they are adjusted so that there is no slack / looseness in them.
• Set a positive audible and visual example by making a commentary when buckling yourself in. Eg: “Daddies getting his seat belt, I’ll tighten it around my body, do I feel it against my chest? No I’ll move it to here… etc:
• Have some activities in the car for distracting the child. (Ensure they aren’t heavy items or have any other unsafe aspects to them that could inflict an injury in a collision)
• Make sure the child doesn’t become bored by being in the vehicle for too long and they’ve had plenty of exercise before a long trip.
• Involve your child in securing ‘Teddy’ or their favourite doll in a toy car seat to assist in growing their awareness.

Just remember, no slack and no twists. 

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Keep children away from air bag systems if you have any doubt.

If you must use a front seat position where there is a forward mounted air bag installed, ensure that the front seat is moved all the way back, that the child is using the seat belt properly positioned and adjusted and they do not lean forward.

Refer to the vehicle manufacturers handbook in respect to the suitable use of child restraints near air bags and heed their advice.  But, be aware that you are reading advice pertinent to Australia in regard to vehicles imported from overseas.

(Often the advice labels in vehicles promote best practices and are therefore, very good advice but are not necessarily comment from a local legal standpoint.)

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A ‘Protecta’ harness is a more recent development of this theme which works similarly to a ‘H’ harness except that the adjustment is in front of the child, secured under a cover. ( Benefit: More likely to fit where the anchor is very close to the car seat back. i.e.; ‘short hook up’ situations)

Additionally, there may be a circumstance where using it through the slots in the later model Safe n Sound 'Maxi Rider' may offer an advantage. NB: Be very careful in using this product.  See adjustment Q below!

While a child can remain using a restraint system which has an integral harness they should remain in it. (NB: Currently all integral harness systems are limited to 18Kgs. Do not be confused by multi use child restraint/booster products. The integral harnesses stated safe use limit is 18Kgs.

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Car purchasing:

  .

Which car is best for multiple child restraints?  When trying to find a new vehicle compatible with  multiple restraint use consider these criteria. 

Remember that many myths persist. One is that a larger car will solve the problem, that is not necessarily true. Many small cars are more accommodating.  Check the four points below:

Choosing restraints or vehicle seat positions.

• Don't put children in the front seats unless there is no other choice.
• Always put the largest child to the front as a last resort position.
• Always consider restraint products and practices, such as boosters and sash guide devices to ensure a safe seat belt environment.
• Always adjust the seat belt properly.

Most Booster seat product have a height limit included in their instructions which warns of using a booster if the child's eye level is above the back of the vehicles seat. This includes any head restraint.

It's safest to travel rearward facing for all passengers. This is especially so for our fragile developing infants. On that basis alone we should keep our infants travelling rearward facing as long as we can based on our own personal circumstances. Eg: How large an infant can your own restraint product cater for. (There are different types). There are often additional limiting factors such as vehicle design and other family passenger demands. The minimum legal allowable to have a child forward facing has been 8Kgs for many years. 9kgs is often quoted as a preferred, then again 12 kgs would be better, but REMEMBER only if your restraint is rated as such.     Best and safest practices are always related to size and weight choosing and adjustment, not age. With the new law amendments, age will be acceptable for compliance.

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‘H'Harness and Protecta Harness. (Additional Harness systems)
Unfortunately these are also often misused, especially when it comes to the fitting of a 'gated buckle' (which is used to create a lap seat belt from a lap/sash seat belt).

NB: Additional harnesses were primarily designed for use with a Lap only seat belt and must be used where the vehicle has a Lap belt only installed.

When integrating a harness with a Lap sash Seat belt it's important to follow the gated buckle instructions very closely. NB: The gated buckle must not be able to slide along the seat belt or it is fitted incorrectly and it must also be placed in a position that disallows contact with the child's body.  Remember adjust the Seat belt low and firm over the child's hips before the harness tether adjustment is completed. Remove the slack (Looseness) only with the upper tether adjuster.

Beware! Separate Harness systems are often not compatible with some vehicle Lap sash seat belts, either through the length of belt or specific seat belt locking mechanisms.
 

Selection Chart
This application chart may help you in choosing an appropriate restraint.

Please note that a new AS1754 standard was released early 2010 and that a 'Type F' will be available soon. It will not be limited by weight, only height limitations. This will also be a new factor in all child restraints manufacturered compliant with the newest Standard.
 

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Type A restraints

Rearward facing infant restraints with integral harness to secure baby. NB: Usually limited to babies of 9kgs and 700mm length maximum. (NB: Exceptions occur: There are also products available that handle babies up to 12Kgs.)

Type A/B restraints

Convertible restraints with integral harness which accommodate newborn to 9* or 12** kgs rearward facing and can be refitted in a forward aspect for children from 8kgs to 18kgs. (*/** Check instructions)

Type B restraints

Forward facing only restraints with integral harness for children from 8 to 18kgs.

Type B/E restraints

Forward facing convertible restraints which can accommodate children from 8kgs to 18kgs using an integral harness and can be used as a booster (without integral harness use) using the vehicle's lap sash seat belt for children from 14 to 26kgs.

NB: These products must be anchored at all times. They can not be used unanchored like some other booster product. (Check handbook instructions re 'H' Harness compatibility.)

Type E restraints

'Boosters', cushion type and seat type, (i.e. with or with out back) are enhancements to the restraint system of an 'H' Harness with lap seat belt or the vehicle's lap sash seat belt. These are best chosen after a child has reached a height of 100cm. Boosters are legal from 14kgs and up to 26kgs. (Check label on product or packaging for some earlier products)

They can provide: -

a. A better height for the 'sash' belt positioning on the child's shoulder.

b. Some side protection for side impact situations.

c. Side support for a sleeping or resting child.

d. A higher vantage point for the child and therefore, possibly, more likelihood of keeping some restless children in their seat belted position.

e. Isolation from the seat belt buckle.

Type C Restraint

Harness system commonly referred to as a 'H' Harness which uses the seat belt (‘Lap only’ seat belts can be used more readily) through the lower end loops and the adjustable tether for the upper end via the usual anchorage fitting. From 14 to 32kgs. NB: There are a number of types available.

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Twists in Seat Belts and Harnesses

How can I keep the twists out of my restraints harness?

In many restraints it's not that difficult if you know what 'not to do'.

To keep twists from 'appearing' in your restraint. DON'T!

• start placing the harness over junior from the shoulder or top end. Even though it's easy to see and we are all likely to start here, DON'T!
• Also DON'T start at reaching for the buckle tongue and pulling on it from below, behind or underneath junior. We all want it of course, but DON'T pull on the buckle tongue.

Both the above actions create twists in most modern restraints. What then do you do?

Read the how to remove twists section below and use the same principles every day in using the harness and you will never have a twist again. (Unless someone else in your family does it!)

How do I remove twists?

Please be aware that these suggestions don't apply to restraints such as Maxi Rider 1 (First model) and Most Secure' products amongst others.

A: Start by organising the harness (belt) webbing by 'running' the belt between your fingers from the anchored end beside the child's bottom on either side (ie; On the base of the seat. NB: Do one side at a time) running the belt up to the area of the connecting buckle. Holding the belt flat and untwisted as you would like to see it against your child's body, is the buckle tongue pointing the correct way?

• IF NOT it has more than likely been rotated on the belt. This means you have to feed a 'one half' twist back through the belt slot in the tongue. It doesn't matter which way you fold the belt to start this process, just make sure that you pass the full fold through and that it doesn't 'fold back' on you. If it does you end up in the same place you started. Go to B:
• IF IT IS pointing the correct way, go to B: 

B: Once you have completed this step, connect the buckle tongue and continue up the chest section passing any twists through the shoulder slots. Turn the unit around and follow the twist to where the shoulder strap meets the disconnecting cross bar, if the twist has disappeared by this stage, all is well. If it hasn't disconnect the loop at the end of the shoulder strap and rotate the loop and refit it. Ensure you follow the instruction booklet in reconnecting these straps.

If at any stage through this process, you can't make it work, look up one of our professional providers. If the search function doesn't help call 03 9690 7605 for assistance.

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Law Requirements.

When asked questions about the new road rules it can be difficult for a professional provider to answer accurately. Please remember that at this point in time, the amendments handed down from the NTC (National Transport Comission) in Jan 2008 have not been enacted in all states.

Therefore discussions of the changes may be misinterpreted. What may or may not happen when the law is actually enacted in each of our states or territories may vary slightly.  NB: Each State and Territory will implement these new Laws in their own time frame.

Victoria has implemented changes from November 9th 2009.

Tasmania has implemented some of the changes from after the 30th November 2009.

Qeensland has implemented the changes from 11th March  2010 .

New South Wales has implemented the changes from 1st March 2010.

Remember:  Complying with the road rules is a minimum aim when it comes to safe practices. “If you have been conducting your restraint activities buy using 'best practices' (See below) you will more than likely already be exceding the road rule guidelines."

The main areas of concern are going to be:-

• Getting children 'back into' appropriate restraints, especially at booster stage.
• Larger families involving booster use. This will especially be an issue with multiple children / restraint situations.
• The restriction to front seat position use. "I'm sorry little Suzy, it's in the back with you now!"

Best practices mean:

• Leave infants rearward facing as long as the restraint you are using allows you to.
• Leave toddlers in their forward facing child restraint (8-18Kg) up until they have grown to the restraint's limits.
• Resist putting a child to a front seat position until it is the last available seat.
• Observe the vehicle manufacturers guidlines on front seat use in respect to children and air bags.

It also means:'

• Checking all aspects of your restraint use and its installation to the vehicle every trip.

Download  Victorian Road Rules  document.

Website link for Tasmanian Rules.

Download  Queensland Road Rules  document.

Download  New South Wales Road Rules  document.

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Why is it so difficult to get a straight answer?

• An infinite variety of family requirements, children sizes and vehicle specifics make it impossible to standardise answers and still remain specific enough to be of any help:
• Most written material over the decades has been sourced from laboratory test reports, design requirements and legislative documentation.
• Such material has been re-written and re-published many times through out this time with out any consultation or input from people within the child restraint industry who actually experience more than just these aspects. Installation personnel deal with the real front line everyday.
• All testing activities are carried out by personnel experienced with child restraint products, either historically and or from a skilled engineering perspective. In other words:
  • The results are to some degree dependant on the testing facility's:
    • understanding of how important each subtlety of child restraint configuration and use can be in reducing injury.
    • high level of engineering and mechanical aptitude.
    • focus on a one use / one time result per installation attention. NB: The restraint is set up, installed and then tested.
    • use of a standard seat, seatbelt, anchor testing rig.
• Using the average community environment as a mirror to the four (4) points above.
  • Many parents and other child restraint users do not have these understandings: Eg: Loose harness use, Too low a shoulder strap settings, Head restraint setting incorrect and not monitoring the seat belt attachment every trip are all regular complacencies.
  • Many parents and carers are not engineering and mechanically aware.
  • These products are to be used correctly every trip / every day, not just once after being set up and installed by an engineer. The safety of these products is frequently compromised by other passengers, young an old. Your car space is the true testing ground of child restraint safety. 
  • The cross section of vehicles' today is enormous and incompatibility issues abound.
    • Eg: 1. A special seat belt exists, that often disallows the ease and safe daily use of any additional harness system. This seat belt type has been used in Australia by one manufacturer for over 12 years. So this issue is not new.  Additionally, there is no reference for isolating this seat belt type to particular vehicles.
    • Eg: 2. The resultant fitment of only one restraint product type, installed into the total range of vehicles available in Australia, combined with the variable restraint aspects and vehicle seating positions is incalculable. There are limitless variations to the end result and therefore also to the clients satisfaction / expectation level.

Over the 30 years we have had a child restraint regimen in Australia there have been comments and statements made and many of them have stuck in the collective minds of our communities.

Some have served us well and our community has benefited from them, but

• Some are outdated and have been superseded, but still they persist.
• Some were and are still misunderstood.
• Many do not apply in today's vehicles.

Regardless of how factual and / or appropriate a comment may have been they continue. Rebirthed with every generation, gaining longevity and validity from helpful Mums, Dads, Grandparents, other relatives and knowledgeable friends, who remember what they did when their first child was born.  Do they remember it correctly? Was it actually the right thing to do then and is it now?

From time to time, parenting communities also gain information from Child Restraint service providers. Information which is often a reflection of that provider's individual preference. From an ultimate safety point of view this information may be good, but can be unrealistic from the parent's day to day involvement and abilities aspect. Here are some examples:

• Suggesting expensive products.
• Suggesting the use of complicated procedures (The provider may understand its use, but can the parent use it safely?)
• Overstating the need for 'tightly fitted restraints'.

Sometimes dispersions are cast on any method or practices that are at a different level than they themselves would provide. This disparity not only happens between parent and provider, but also between provider and provider.

It's no wonder parents can be confused.

The ACRI hopes these comments help in dissolving the concerns and confusion you may have.

Protecting our small passengers in our cars is quite simple if you just consider what the risk is to them from a vehicle collision and manage the risk as best you can:

Dont forget this includes your attitude to driving safely. Such as:

• Dont rush, give yourself plenty of time.
• Leave plenty of space in front of you.
• Dont allow yourself to be distracted: Driving comes first, phones and crying children come second.
• If there is an issue in the car, stop, park and deal with it exclusively.

Consider injury risks such as:

• Head, neck, spine, bruising and lacerations.

use protection methods, such as:

• Correct orientation (Rearward or Forward travel)
• Head protection: Isolated seating positions and child restraint products with side head protection.
• Correct seat belt or harness use: No twists, correctly placed across the passengers skeletal structure (upper and lower body) and no looseness.

Do your research and then make your decision. If you still have a doubt or are concerned about anything, ask someone who has the best chance of guiding you with the most up to date information. Check our list of professional providers or email your location and we will refer you to someone who can help .

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