How to use and install a car restraint

Choosing and using a child restraint

There are a number of different child restraints available in New Zealand and all vary in design. Unfortunately child restraints are frequently used incorrectly.

Using a child restraint correctly will greatly reduce the chance of your child being injured or killed in a car accident. Safe2Go technicians can help you fit your child restraint with your vehicle and child. Find a Safe2Go technician in your area.

In addition to this we recommend you:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. These should come with all new restraints, if you are buying a second hand restraint ask the previous owner if they still have this.
• Download our brochure "Child restraints save lives"

The Safe2Go programme relies on having Safe2Go technicians working in our community. Find out how you can become a Safe2Go technician.

Here you can find basic tips from Safe2Go with:

• Child restraints and the law
• Choosing a child restraint
• Where do I get a child restraint from?
• Using a child restraint correctly
• Quick tips on using a child restraint
• Find a Safe2Go technician
• Child restraints save lives brochures

Child restraints and the law

In New Zealand it is compulsory to use a child restraint for children under five. Children aged 5-8 years must use a child restraint if available, if not they must use a safety belt. It is the vehicle driver's responsibility to see that children are safely restrained. International research suggests that it's safest to keep using a child restraint and then a booster seat until a child can fit an adult safety belt properly.

Land Transport NZ provides information about your legal responsibilities, in a fact sheet: Land Transport NZ, Fact sheet #7 (PH 0800 699 000)

Choosing a child restraint

It is important to choose a child restraint carefully.

• The right type of child restraint depends on the age and size of your child.
• There are four different types of child restraints:
  • rear facing infant or convertible restraint
  • forward facing convertible restraint
  • forward facing child restraint
  • booster seat
• Some child restraints will fit your vehicle better than others, test them before you decide to buy or rent them.
• Safe2Go technicians can help you to choose the right child restraint for your vehicle and child. Find a Safe2Go technician in your area.
• For information about what type of restraint is best for your child see:
  • ACC car safety, an interactive web tool on how to use your car restraint, or
  • Land Transport NZ, Fact sheet #7.

Where do I get a child restraint from?

If buying second hand child restraint there are things to look out for. Child restraints must meet an approved standard to be used in New Zealand. For information on where you can buy or hire approved child restraints, and what to look for see:

• Land Transport NZ, Fact sheet #7, or
• phone 0800 699 000.

Using a child restraint correctly

Child restraints vary in design and some are easier to use than others. Unfortunately child restraints are frequently used incorrectly. When used incorrectly your child may be at greater risk of being injured in the event of an accident.

A Safe2Go technician can provide you with free advice on how to use your child restraint correctly.

Find a Safe2Go technician in your area.

Quick tips on using a child restraint

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when fitting and using your child restraint. If you need help contact a Safe2Go technician.
• The back seat is the safest position for your child restraint.
• Never place an infant restraint in the front seat with an air bag.
• Infant child restraints for children under one should be rear facing.
• Make sure that the safety belt is correctly routed (check the manufacturers instructions).
• Fit the child restraint in the car as firmly as possible. Kneeling in the child restraint as you tighten the safety belt can help to get a secure fit.
• Using a locking clip on the safety belt can help to maintain a secure fit.
• If there is a tether strap and anchor bolt make sure that it is installed and used correctly (check the instructions).
• Put your baby's or child's bottom well back in the child restraint.
• Where the harness meets the child restraint it should be positioned at or just below your baby's or child's shoulder level.
• Fit a harness firmly against your baby or child with no more than a finger width of slack.
• Ensure the straps and the safety belt are not twisted, or frayed.
• Your baby's head should be below the top of the infant restraint
• Your child's eye level below the top of the child restraint.
• Make sure the harness meets the restraint just at or below your baby's shoulders when rear facing, or at or just above a child's shoulders when forwards facing.
• When using a booster seat, check the vehicle safety belt is positioned across your child's hips.

Common mistakes include the restraint not being correctly fitted to your vehicle or the restraint not fitting or being correctly adjusted for your child. Getting help from a Safe2Go technician is the safest choice.

Find a Safe2Go technician

A Safe2Go technician can provide you with free advice on how to use your child restraint.

Find a Safe2Go technician in your area.