If you’re preparing to fit your child into their very first car seat or upgrading to a new child restraint, it’s normal for confusion and worry to set in: “What if I install it wrong?” It’s a common concern among parents still becoming accustomed to car seat installation, and for good reason.
Testing from Transurban and Kidsafe during their Car Seat Safety Blitz in May revealed that 40% of child restraints are used in a way that would impair crash performance, with many seats having two or more simultaneous installation errors. Clearly, the stakes couldn’t be higher, car seat safety is one of the most critical factors in a child’s wellbeing on the road.
It’s helpful to think of child car safety as involving three key elements: choosing the right restraint for your child’s size, ensuring the restraint is correctly fitted to the vehicle, and securing the child properly within it. Parents and caregivers must ensure all three steps are followed for every journey.
It may sound daunting, but Kiddipedia has teamed up with the experts at Britax, a leader in child restraint safety, to compile a list of essential do’s and don’ts when fitting your child into a car seat.
With over 50 years of innovation and more than 10 million Britax car seats produced, the brand is trusted worldwide for its industry-leading safety technology, including their Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT™) and Active Head Restraint (AHR™). Below, Britax explains how parents can maximise safety, ensure correct car seat installation, and meet the needs of their growing child.
Do choose a car seat that meets Australian safety standards
Selecting a child car seat tested to Australian Standards is the foundation of safe travel. The car seat must display the AS/NZS 1754 certification label, confirming it has been tested specifically for Australian vehicles.
Did you know it’s illegal in Australia to buy a car restraint that doesn’t meet these standards? One reason is Australia’s unique top-tether anchorage system, which is not compatible with many overseas car seats. Additionally, Australian car seat testing is more rigorous, with requirements for side-impact, rear-impact, and even inverted roll-over testing.
Before choosing your restraint, research how the manufacturer tests their products. Britax operates one of four crash-test sleds in Australia, ensuring that technologies like SICT™ and AHR™ deliver industry-leading protection.
Do ensure the car seat meets your child’s needs
Many parents are unsure which type of car seat is appropriate for their child’s age and size. Britax recommends following Australian road laws alongside the manufacturer’s instructions:
• Children under 6 months must use a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 4 to 7 years (approx.) must travel in a forward-facing car seat or an approved booster seat—though remaining in a harnessed seat is the safest option.
Britax emphasises that height, not age, is the best guide:
“Parents often progress to the next seat based on age rather than height. Not all 4-year-olds are the same size, so children should fit within the shoulder height markers of their specific seat.”
Rather than turning a child forward-facing at the 6-month mark, Britax recommends keeping children rear-facing until they reach the forward-facing height marker. (You can read more about the benefits of extended rear-facing here.)
Do consider a professional fitting
If installing a car seat feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. More than 50% of child restraints are installed incorrectly, with some reports, such as RACV data, suggesting this figure may be as high as 70%.
Professional car seat fitting services can ensure:
• correct installation
• proper harness adjustment
• compatibility with your vehicle
• peace of mind for every trip
Kidsafe’s Find a Fitter program and Australian Automobile Association members across each state offer accredited installers who can help check or fit your child restraint safely.
Even if you think you’ve installed it correctly, having it checked prevents repeating errors that could compromise safety in a crash.
Do follow manufacturer’s instructions
Every caregiver should carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation guide when fitting a car seat and securing a child within it. Car seat designs vary greatly, so instructions aren’t interchangeable between models.
Failing to follow the guide may:
• reduce crash performance
• introduce misuse errors
• potentially void your warranty
Britax notes that some seats include auto-adjusting harness systems that don’t require rethreading, making everyday use faster and less stressful. The Britax B-Pod Low Birth Weight, for example, includes the patented ClickTight Installation System™ for effortless, secure installation and reduced misuse.
Dont install at an unsafe angle
Correct installation angle is essential for rear-facing car seats and infant carriers. Britax explains:
“The preferred angle for a rear-facing car seat base is 10–15°. For vehicles with a flat seat, firmly rolled towels can be used under the base to achieve the right angle.”
Many Britax models—such as the Britax B-family range—include built-in level indicators to help ensure proper installation.
Remember: you may need to reinstall the car seat if moving it to another vehicle, such as a grandparent’s car. If in doubt, seek a professional assessment.
For optimal safety, the centre position of the back seat is the safest location, with the rear passenger side being the next best option.
Dont forget to make regural safety checks
Even the best car seat requires routine checks to ensure it’s functioning safely. During the Car Seat Safety Blitz, two of the most common issues found were:
• loose or twisted seat belts
• top tether straps twisted or improperly attached
These simple errors significantly affect crash performance.
Britax recommends checking that:
• the car seat does not move more than 2 cm side-to-side or front-to-back
• the harness height matches the child’s shoulder markers
• straps, buckles, and adjusters show no signs of wear or damage
If you notice any issues, contact the manufacturer immediately.
A properly fitted car seat can make the difference between life and death in a road accident. By staying informed and following expert guidance, you’re already taking important steps to ensure your child travels safely, every single time.
