Child Restraints - General Tips and FAQs
In Australia, road accidents are the biggest single cause of child fatalities and injuries every year. To help protect your child, the best action you can take is to make sure they are properly restrained when travelling in your vehicle.
General tips for transporting children safely in cars
- never leave toddlers or babies unattended in a motor vehicle
- seat passengers in the car as shown in the diagram, with the youngest child in the centre back position
- use sensible defensive driving techniques to prevent accidents
- secure loose articles in vehicles as they can be dangerous in the event of a collision
- make sure your child is wearing a correctly installed child restraint, even if they are asleep
- set a good example for your children by always using a seat belt yourself
- regularly check that the seatbelt used to secure the child restraint has not been unlatched by other passengers
Remember, the RACQ's friendly staff can help you choose the best restraint for your child. We can even fit the restraint into your vehicle at no extra cost when you buy a restraint from some of our branches.
For more information on baby capsules and all types of car seats for young children:
- call us for advice on 3872 8926 or 1800 816 523
- email the RACQ's child restraint team
- visit an RACQ branch
- visit the RACQ's online shop
Frequently asked questions
- Do RACQ hire out child restraints?
RACQ sells a full range of child restraints but does not offer a hire facility. Queensland Ambulance (phone 1300 369 003) operates a baby capsule hire scheme. Kidsafe (phone 07 3854 1829) also offers a child restraint hiring facility for the Brisbane metropolitan area only. Check your phone book for details of hirers in your local area. - If I don't have an anchor point in my vehicle, where can I get one fitted?
Only Queensland Transport authorised officers can fit an anchor point. Phone RACQ on 13 1905 for a list of authorised officers in your area. - Will RACQ fit my restraint for me?
If you buy your child restraint from some RACQ vehicle inspection sites, we can do the first fitting for free. For more information, phone the RACQ on 1800 816 523. - Is one brand of child restraint safer than another?
All child restraints sold in Australia must meet the same Australian Standard AS 1754. It is important however, to work out what you require in a restraint before you buy one. Think about the:- suitability for your child in relation to their age, weight and size
- size of the seat and vehicle
- restraint's features, materials and ease of fitting
- warranty and after sales service and advice
If you have any other questions, or for more information, phone the RACQ on 07 3872 8926 or 1800 816 523 or email us.
