0 to 6 months - Infant Restraints

Current Queensland Legislation

Babies from birth to a minimum of six months must be secured in a rearward facing baby safety capsule or convertible child restraint with a built in harness that is properly fastened and secured.

Baby capsule or convertible baby car seat?

There are several different styles of baby capsules available. However, you can only use the capsule until your baby is approximately six to eight months or they reach the maximum weight or height capacity specified by the manufacturer.

Convertible baby car seats are used facing rearward until your child reaches the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer. Your child can then use the seat facing forward until they are approximately four years old.  The minimum age to turn your child from reardward to forward facing is 6 months, however they must have good head control.

Some convertible baby car seats are quite large and you may have problems fitting it into your car.  Before you choose a car seat or capsule for your baby, you need to check:

• Will the baby capsule/car seat fit comfortably into your car without pushing against the back of the front seat?
• Will there be enough room for the other passengers?
• Will there be enough room around the baby capsule/car seat to allow you to lift the baby and/or the seat in and out of the car?

Visit our Important Points to Remember page for handy hints and tips on things to consider prior to purchasing a baby car seat.

When you buy your baby capsule or baby car seat from RACQ, you can be sure RACQ's staff can give you the best advice on the right car seat for your child.  See the range of baby capsules and baby car seats available in RACQ's online shop.  Discount prices on all babies, and children's car seats are available for RACQ members.  Not a member of RACQ?  Join RACQ now!

How to use car seats for babies and children

• All baby car seats are designed to have your baby facing the rear of the car. This is the safest way for a baby to travel in your car while they are still developing their neck muscles. 
• Baby capsules and child car seats are fitted to the car by the car's seatbelt and a tether strap, which attaches to an anchor bolt / fitting. Every time you use the seat, make sure the harness is adjusted to fit the baby as snugly as possible.
• If you use a bunny rug, fasten the harness on the baby first and then put the rug over the baby. You will need to check the harness regularly and adjust it as the baby grows. The manufacturer's instructions will explain the right way to do this.