All parents want their children to be as safe as possible, for as long as possible,especially when it comes to car travel. Child restraints play a critical role in protecting little ones in the event of a road incident, but with both forward-facing and rear-facing options available after six months of age, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s best.
Research shows that extended rear-facing is the safer option, and experts recommend keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible. Fortunately, today’s child restraints make extended rear-facing easier and more accessible than ever.
The Laws in Australia
Australian road rules state that babies up to six months must travel in rear-facing restraints. The legislation also allows children to remain rear-facing up to four years old—but it’s important to remember that age is only a guide.
Your child’s height is the most accurate indicator of when it’s time to turn their seat forward. Only move your child to the next stage once they’ve exceeded the upper height markers and can no longer sit comfortably. Keeping them rear-facing for longer is significantly safer.
Lauren Moloney, who installs child restraints in Western Australia, said many parents don’t realise how long extended rear-facing is permitted.
“I’m really passionate about best practice. Our laws in Australia are quite minimal—we turn babies at six months old, which is the youngest of almost any developed nation. The legislation now allows rear-facing to four and harnessing to about eight years of age—now we just have to change how people think about it.”
Tip:
Car seat laws differ slightly across states and territories. Check your local roads and traffic authority website for specific regulation
Why rare facing is safer?
Although parents are legally able to turn their child forward-facing at six months, multiple studies show that rear-facing is far safer. As a safety-led brand, Britax recommends keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible—ideally a minimum of a year rear-facing, but ultimately until they exceed their seat’s height markers.
The National Guidelines for the Safe Restraint of Children Travelling in Motor Vehicles (Neuroscience Research Australia + Kidsafe) highlight why rear-facing seats provide superior protection:
• “Rear-facing restraints are highly effective in preventing injuries if used correctly because they fully support the child’s head and neck in the event of a crash.”
• Infants have large heads and weaker necks, making correct support crucial.
• Rear-facing restraints support the head, neck, and spine better in severe frontal collisions than forward-facing designs.
Britax options that make rear-facing simple and safe
Britax designs its restraints with leading safety technologies to help parents keep their children rear-facing for longer. Here are key products offering extended rear-facing capability:
• Britax Safe-n-Sound B-Compaq | Birth – 4 Years (approx.)
A compact convertible car seat featuring ISOFIX installation, Advanced SICT™, and a slimmer shell that makes it ideal for 3-across setups in smaller vehicles.
• Britax Safe-n-Sound B-First | Birth – 4 Years (approx.)
The only 0–4 seat with deployable Advanced SICT™, helping reduce crash forces in side impacts. Includes ISOFLEX® Latch for ISOFIX installation and advanced ventilation and comfort features.
• Britax Safe-n-Sound Graphene EA | Birth – 4 Years (approx.)
A compact, space-saving option perfect for smaller cars. Features Easy Adjust headrest, SICT™ Torso Protection, and design optimised for extended rear-facing without compromising safety.
• Britax Safe-n-Sound B-Pod | Birth – 12 Months (approx.)
A capsule suitable for premature and low-birth-weight infants, featuring Thermo5® High Performance Fabric, an extendable canopy, and compatibility with a wide range of strollers.
