6 months to 4 years - Child Car Seats

Current Queensland Legislation

Babies and children aged between six months and four years of age must be secured in either an approved rearward facing child restraint or an approved forward facing child restraint with built-in harness that is properly fastened and adjusted.  It is recommended that a baby remain in an approved infant restraint for as long as possible. 

Suitable restraints for this age group:

• Convertible Restraints (Birth to approx four years)
• Forward facing restraints (approx six months to four Years)
• Combination forward facing restraint (approx six months to four years as a forward facing restraint. Then can be converted to a booster seat from approx four years to seven 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 child restraint, 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 RACQ meet Australian Standard 1754.  See the wide range of toddler seats and booster seats available from the 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 these 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.