Safety considerations
birthTIPS
If you have a car, then installing an approved child restraint becomes a priority. In Australia, babies are not permitted by law to travel in a car (or taxi) without a restraint that is suitable for their age and weight. This includes the trip home from the hospital or birth centre after being born. (Some taxi companies do supply baby capsules in their cars if specially requested).
All children need optimum protection when travelling inside a car and a parent's arms around a baby (or child) will not protect or save them in an accident. Australia has the highest safety standard for child car restraints and the best safety record in the world for protecting children in accidents.
Your choice of child car restraints for babies comes down to:
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A 'rear-facing' infant restraint (or capsule). This is designed for use from birth up to 9kgs in weight (usually around 6 months of age), or when the baby no longer physically fits in the restraint. A baby capsule comes in two pieces. The 'cradle' section that the baby lies in can be removed from its secured casing, enabling you to leave the baby lying in the cradle when you take them out of the car. Some parent's prefer this, as babies tend to fall asleep in the car. |
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A dual purpose convertible restraint. These can be used from birth (in reclining rear or forward facing position) and then converted into an upright child seat when the baby weighs between 8 to 12 kg until they are 18kg (from about 6 to 8 months to about 4 years of age). Dual purpose seats are designed as a single unit installed in the car. Therefore the baby needs to be unbuckled and removed from the seat when you arrive at your destination (unlike the baby capsule described above). |