Child Seat FAQs
Everything you wanted to know about child seats.
- Can I put a rearward-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if it has an active airbag?
- Is it safe for my child to travel in the front seat?
- What's the difference between a 3-point lap and diagonal seat belt and a lap-only belt in terms of safety?
- My baby is 10 months old, but only weighs 8 kg; should I move them into a Stage 2 forward facing seat now that they are old enough to do so?
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Can I put a rearward-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if it has an active airbag?
No, not only is it unsafe to do this, it is also illegal. If the airbag was deployed in a crash, it would strike the back of the baby seat with great force, causing serious injury to your child.
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Is it safe for my child to travel in the front seat?
Although it is legal for children to sit in the front seat of a car if they use an appropriate child restraint (unless they are in a rearward facing car seat, when it is illegal), it is much safer for your child to travel in the rear seat. This is because the majority of crashes are front impact, which means your child will be more protected from damage if they sit in the back. If your car has a 3-point diagonal belt in the middle rear seat, this is the safest place for your child to sit.
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What's the difference between a 3-point lap and diagonal seat belt and a lap-only belt in terms of safety?
A 3-point lap and diagonal seat belt provides far greater protection in a crash than a lap belt. If you child is using a lap belt with a booster cushion (most other child restraints can only be fitted with a three-point lap and diagonal seat belt), you must ensure that the belt fits across the top of their thighs and around their hips. Do not place the belt across their stomach as this could cause damage to internal organs in the event of a crash.
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My baby is 10 months old, but only weighs 8 kg; should I move them into a Stage 2 forward facing seat now that they are old enough to do so?
No. Child restraints are tested and approved for the child's weight not age. As long as the top of your child's head does not extend above the back of the seat, they should remain in the Stage 1 rearward-facing seat until they are over 9 kg and can comfortably sit up for a reasonable length of time; approximately 30 minutes or more. Never rush to move your baby into a forward-facing seat, a rearward-facing is much safer and will offer improved protection for their head, neck and spine in a crash.
