6 months to 1 year - Child Car Seats

Current Queensland Legislation

A child aged six months to one year must be secured in an approved rearward facing restraint or an approved forward facing restraint with a built in harness that is properly fastened and secured.

Legislation states a child must be a minimum of six months before they can be turned forward facing. Your child must also have full head control. If you have been using a convertible restraint for your baby, it is important to remember to turn it to the forward facing position once your baby has reached the maximum capacity as specified by the manufacturer.

Suitable restraints for this age group:

• Convertible Restraints (Birth to approx four years)
• Forward facing restraints (approx six months to four Years)

Note: These ages are a guide only and may not suit all children depending on their size. It is recommended you refer to the child restraint manufacturer's user manual for specific details and instructions.

Choosing a child's car seat

Your child must have full head control before you can place them safely in a forward facing seat.  If you have been using a convertible restraint for your baby, it is important to remember to turn it to the forward facing position once your baby has reached the manufacturer's recommended weight.

Before you choose a baby car seat, check the following points:

• if your child sleeps for long periods, consider a seat that tilts back into a more comfortable sleeping position
• if you plan to swap the seat between cars, think about how difficult it will be to move the seat and if the seat will fit comfortably in both cars.

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

All child restraints available from the RACQ meet Australian Standard 1754.  See the wide range of toddler seats and booster seats available from RACQ's online shop. Discount prices on all child restraints are available for RACQ members. Not an RACQ member?  Join RACQ now!

How to use a child car seat

• The safest position for a child to travel is in the centre position of the rear seat. Where this is not available or practical, the recommended position is behind the passenger seat. 
• Check your vehicle's manual to find where the installed child restraint anchor points are located. Child restraint tether straps should be attached in a direct line with these anchor points. Don't allow any obstacles, such as a cargo barrier, to interfere with the straps. 
• Make sure the harness is correctly adjusted, is not twisted and the seatbelt is firmly fitted. You'll need to adjust the harness straps as your child grows.
• The manufacturer's instructions will explain the correct method of fitting and adjustment.