Using a Child Safety Harness
You can use a child harness in any forward facing seat that is fitted with a seatbelt, with or without a booster. A child safety harness is ideal for transporting extra children or when travelling in vehicles where there are no other restraints.
You must install a child harness in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. This will involve attaching the harness to a restraint anchorage and the vehicle's seatbelt. The seatbelt must be adjusted to fit firmly across the child's hips. The shoulder straps should be correctly adjusted and then the tether strap adjusted to a snug fit.
A child harness can be used for children weighing up to 26 kilograms using a booster seat (refer to manufacturer guidelines for maximum weights). If a harness is used without a booster seat, it is safe to use for children up to 32 kilograms.
See the wide range of child safety accessories available from the RACQ's online shop.
Discount prices on all child restraints and accessories are available for RACQ members. Not an RACQ member?
Join RACQ now!
Adult lap/sash belts
Older children (26 kilograms or above) can use adult lap/sash belts once their eyes are level with or above the top of the back of the child restraint.
However, before you let your child use an adult seat belt, you must make sure they know how to use the seatbelt properly. Also, the seatbelt must never come into contact with the child's neck.
Always encourage your children to buckle up. Set a good example by doing the same.
Remember, lap/sash belts offer greater protection to all passengers (regardless of age) than lap belts.
Where possible, avoid putting anyone in the centre rear position with a lap belt only. Never put two children into one seat belt.
