Keep kids in rear facing restraints: Kidsafe

As part of National Road Safety Week, Kidsafe Victoria is emphasising the importance of keeping children in rear-facing restraints until they reach the maximum size limits.

Current regulations permit children to transition to forward-facing restraints from as early as six months of age. 

However, Kidsafe Victoria recommends parents and carers follow the manufacturer instructions and keep their little ones rear facing until their shoulders reach the height marker - approximately 12 to 18 months of age before making the switch - but preferably longer.

"Young children have large heads and weak necks, which can put them at risk of serious injury in a crash," said Kathy Taylor, Kidsafe Victoria's General Manager for Child Car Restraints.

"Rearward-facing child car restraints provide the head and neck support that a child needs to keep them safe.

"That's why Kidsafe Victoria recommends that parents and carers keep children in their rear-facing child car restraint until they outgrow the maximum size limit."

Taylor also stresses the importance of adhering to height markers on restraints.

"Children must remain rear facing until their shoulders reach the first height marker on the restraint. There are child car restraints on the market that enable children to remain rear facing to approximately two to three years of age ... which provides even better protection."

Kidsafe Victoria is pleased to see that the new Australian standard AS/NZ1754:2023 will include an increased age associated with rear facing child car restraints.

"Parents need clear guidance around how to best keep their children safe in the vehicle. Having the current law and legislation aligned with the updated Australian Standard AS/NZ 1754:2023 is a great start," she said.

For more information and resources on child car safety, visit the Kidsafe Victoria website at www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/child-restraints/