When you have children in your car it is compulsory to use a child restraint for children under five. However it is a good idea to keep children in a child restraint or booster seat until they can use an ordinary car seat belt safely. It is the driver’s responsibility to see that children are safely restrained. Using a child restraint correctly will greatly reduce the chance of your child being injured or killed in a crash.
How to pick the right child restraint
Not all child restraints fit in all cars - it’s a really good idea to try before you buy.
Since some restraints fit the shape of some vehicle seats better than others, you should ask the retailer if you can return the restraint if you find it doesn’t fit properly. If you need help with choosing a child restraint contact a Safe2Go Technician - they will be able to advise you on the best child restraint to suit your requirements. You can find a Safe2Go Technician in your area by going to the Safe2Go website or by calling 0800 699 000.
New Zealand Transport Agency provides information about your legal responsibilities, types of child restraints, and choosing a child restraint in Factsheet 7: Child restraints (external link).
For tips on installing a child restraint correctly go to Safe2Go quick tips (external link).
Safe2Go
Safe2Go (external link) is New Zealand’s national child restraint programme, which trains people selling or renting child restraints to be Safe2Go technicians. Safe2Go technicians advise parents and caregivers how to install child restraints correctly. You can get free advice on choosing and using child restraints from a Safe2Go technician in your area (external link). It’s the best way to ensure that your child is safe in the car.
Last updated: 20 April 2009