Child Restraint products are often sold based on the feel and colour of the fabric and the cushions provided and therefore allow a perception of comfort to override safety in the choosing process. Remember they are two completely different objectives.
Secondly, any safety device is only as safe as it is used. The manufacturers of these products spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure they meet and exceed the stringent Australian safety standards guidelines. As many of these products are 'convertible' or multi-purpose in application, the understanding of how they should be fitted and or used daily is a greater challenge for many.
All professional installers of Child restraints still occasionally have to stop and think extra hard and research instruction books to make sure that a particular product is being used as the manufacturer intended.
Theoretically they are simple. Practice has proven otherwise.
Choosing a child restraint is a challenging process, but taking into account a products ‘ease of use' factor is worthwhile.
Also think about how the restraint will suit your needs at every stage of growth that your child will be using it and not just at the infant or other stage junior is at when purchasing it.
The compatibility between the vehicle and the restraint is also a factor often overlooked. It's worth choosing a product that fits your vehicle and suits the rest of passengers in your car as well. Think about prospective new arrivals!
Many ACRI professionals offer a consultancy service, which can identify strategies or products, with which you can make a fully informed purchase. Especially helpful when there are multiple restraint needs.
Download a ‘Choose a suitable vehicle guideline fact sheet'
NB: Your child's size or weight is necessary to choose an appropriate product.
Weight
of
Child |
Age
Range
(Approx) |
Newborn
to
9kgs |
Newborn
to
18kgs |
8kgs
to
18kgs |
8kgs
to
26kgs |
14kgs
to
26kgs |
14kgs
to
32kgs |
| Birth |
Birth |
A TYPE
Infant Only
Capsule |
A/B TYPE
0-4 or Convertible |
|
|
|
|
| 8kgs |
4 to 12 months |
B TYPE
'Child Seat' |
B/E TYPE
Child Seat to Booster |
|
|
| 9kgs |
5 to 12 months |
|
|
| 14kgs |
18mths to 3 years |
|
E TYPE
Booster |
C TYPE
Harness |
| 18kgs |
2 1/2 to 5 years |
|
| 26kgs |
5 to 8 years |
NB: If the straps of a restraint come from below shoulder height more than 2cm and or the child's eye level is above the back of the restraint, it's time for junior to move on. |
up to
32kgs |
6 to 12 years |
NB: A child needs to move out of a booster when they have reached the weight limit or when their eye level is above the back rest of the seat, head restraint or booster top. Remember we are looking for neck ‘whiplash' and head protection. | | 
