Complete car seat safety guide for Australian parents
Posted: June 23, 2026
When you are expecting a baby, you’ll want to do everything in your power to ensure bub is as safe as possible.
That all starts with the first drive home from the hospital or birthing centre. Before you head home, the hospital will usually ask if you have a suitable car seat or baby capsule fitted and ready for the journey. After all, that first trip home is a pretty special one.
Here’s what you need to know about baby car seat safety, so you can ensure your young ones are safe and secure for every car journey. Whether it’s a quick pop down to the grocery store or a long road trip down WA’s coast, this guide, by one of our Babyroad experts, will help you travel with confidence.
Why are car and booster seats so important?
Car and booster seats are so important because they help protect children while travelling. They are designed to position your child safely, support their body, and reduce the risk of injury in case of a crash or sudden stop. During a crash, a child’s risk of major injury goes up if they are:
- Unrestrained in the car (not in a car seat, booster seat or adult lap-sash seat belt)
- Not restrained correctly (in a car or booster seat not suitable for their size)
- Travelling in the front seat of the car.
Approved child restraints absorb the impact of the crash, so your child’s head and body are protected. The straps rest against the strong bones of their body, such as the shoulders and hips, rather than the vulnerable points (neck and abdomen).
Car seat laws in Australia
In Australia, children under seven years old must be secured in an approved, properly fastened child restraint or booster seat. All seats must meet the ACCC Standards.
The legal requirements differ based on your child’s age.
| Age | Mandatory restraint type | Front seat access |
| Under 6 months | Approved rearward-facing restraint | Prohibited (if there are rear seats) |
| 6 months – 4 years | Rearward or forward facing with inbuilt harness | Prohibited (if your car has two or more rows) |
| 4 – 7 years | Forward-facing (inbuilt harness) or booster seat | Prohibited (unless all rear seats are taken by younger children) |
| 7 years + | Adult seatbelt or booster seat | Allowed |
We have a wide range of rear-facing and forward-facing car seats that can accommodate older babies and toddlers and keep them safe on the road.
While this guide is a helpful starting point, every child develops differently and may need restraints that suit their individual needs. To be perfectly sure whether or not your child is ready for the adult seatbelt, you must carry out the ‘five-step test.’
What is the five-step test for child car seat safety?
The 5-Step Test is a safety assessment used to determine if a child is large and mature enough to transition from a booster seat to an adult vehicle seat belt. Your child must pass all five of these steps in every vehicle they ride in before they can safely travel without a booster seat. The steps are as follows:
- Back Flat: Can your child sit with their back against the vehicle seat?
- Knees Bent: Do your child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat cushion?
- Shoulder Belt Centred: Does the sash belt sit securely across the middle of their collarbone/shoulder (not cutting into their neck or resting on their arm)?
- Lap Belt Low: Does the lap belt sit low and flat across their hips, resting on their thighs?
- No Slumping: Can your child stay seated in this position for the whole trip?
If the answer is yes to all of these questions, then your child is ready to be upgraded to an adult seat for that specific car.
Things to look out for when buying a safe child car restraint
If you have ever been to a baby products store, you know that there are many different car seats available. The choices can be overwhelming. Take your time to evaluate various seats, taking the following into consideration:
Car seat or baby capsule
Car seats are designed to stay in your vehicle, while baby capsules are easy to install and remove so you can carry bub around without having to take them out of the seat. While this is convenient, baby capsules can only accommodate children up to about 6 months of age, so you’ll need a standard car seat after that. There is also the flexible option of convertible car seats, which can transition from a rear-facing to a forward-facing position as your child grows.
Shoulder height markers
These are the most reliable indicators of whether your child has outgrown their current seat or is ready to transition from a rear-facing to a forward-facing seat. They are either lines or labels that are sewn onto the fabric of a child car seat, and when your child’s shoulders have passed them, it’s time for a change.
Size
Some car seats take up more space than others, and you’ll need to ensure your preferred seat will fit in your vehicle. This may not be much of a concern for those with larger vehicles, but it will definitely come into play for drivers of smaller cars. You’ll also need to think about whether you plan to have more children. One or two car seats may fit just fine, but you may run into difficulty installing a third.
Head support
This is one of the most important aspects of baby car seat safety. Young babies lack the ability to support the weight of their heads on their still-developing necks. You’ll need a car seat that provides adequate cushioning and support, especially while they are still developing head control. Support is less of a concern for older babies who can hold their heads up, but cushioning is still important.
ISOFIX compatibility
If your car is equipped with ISOFIX connection points for securing baby car seats, you can choose an ISOFIX car seat model. If your car does not have this capability, you’ll need a car seat model that can be secured with your vehicle’s seat belt. Of course, ISOFIX vehicles can use seat belts to anchor car seats as well. Resist the temptation to purchase ISOFIX car seats from other countries, as they may not meet Australian baby car seat safety standards (ACCC).
Need help choosing a car seat that suits your family’s needs? Visit our Perth store to speak with one of Babyroad’s friendly experts, explore our range in person and find the right fit for your child, vehicle and lifestyle.
Common car seat mistakes to avoid
Even the safest car seat can only do its job properly when it is installed and used correctly. Before every trip, it is worth checking that your child’s restraint is secure, correctly adjusted and suitable for their age and size.
Some of the most common car seat mistakes include:
- Loose harness straps: The harness should sit flat and firm against your child’s body. If the straps are too loose, they may not hold your child securely in a sudden stop or crash.
- Twisted straps: Harness straps should lie flat against your child’s shoulders and body. Twisted straps can affect how pressure is distributed in an accident.
- Bulky clothing under the harness: Thick jackets, jumpers or blankets can create extra space between your child and the straps. Buckle your child in first, then place a blanket over the top if they need extra warmth.
- Moving to the next seat too early: Children should stay in each restraint for as long as they safely fit within the seat’s limits. Always check the shoulder height markers rather than relying on age alone.
- Incorrect seatbelt or ISOFIX installation: The seatbelt or ISOFIX connectors must be fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A poorly installed seat may not provide the right level of protection.
- Loose or unattached top tether strap: The top tether helps keep the restraint stable. It should be attached to the correct anchor point and adjusted firmly.
If you are unsure whether your baby car seat or booster seat is fitted correctly, it is always best to ask for professional help. Babyroad has accredited car seat installers who can check, fit and adjust your child restraint so you can feel more confident every time you travel.
Trust Babyroad for your car seat safety needs
If you need help choosing the right car seat for your precious baby, we are happy to help. We have a variety of popular car seats and baby capsules and can help you narrow down your options.
Babyroad have accredited car seat installers available at our Perth Showroom to ensure your seat is fitted correctly. Contact us today or visit us in store to learn more.
Car seat safety FAQ’s
Do you get fined for unrestrained children in cars?
Drivers are heavily fined and can incur demerit points if any passenger under 16 is not properly restrained. One single unrestrained or improperly restrained child will cost the driver a $550 fine and the loss of 4 demerit points.
Can my baby wear a thick jacket in their car seat?
It is best to avoid thick, bulky jackets under a car seat harness. Bulky clothing can create extra space between your child and the harness, which may stop the straps from fitting securely. If your baby is cold, buckle them in first and place a blanket over the top.
Do car seats expire?
Car seats do not always have a traditional expiry date, but they should not be used once they are too old, worn or damaged. Many safety organisations recommend avoiding car seats more than 10 years old, as materials can degrade and safety requirements can change over time.
Is it safe to buy a second-hand baby car seat?
A second-hand car seat should only be used if you know its full history and whether it is compliant with Australian Standards. Avoid using a seat if it has been in a crash, is more than 10 years old, has missing parts, cracks, worn buckles or no instruction manual.
