Seat Me Safely
Welcome to the Kidsafe NSW - Seat Me Safely web program.
Seat Me Safely has been developed with support and funding provided by the Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW.
The Seat Me Safely program provides information on the selection and use of child restraint and includes:
- features of child restraints
- safety tips to consider when using child restraints, and
- information on placing restraints in your vehicle.
The numbered bullet points in each category have a corresponding illustration to highlight the information. Just 'click' on the text to see the illustration.
You can move freely between age categories and information pages simply by 'clicking' on the page you require.
Choosing a Child Restraint
Each age category offers a choice between two types of child restraints, which you select depending on the size of your child.
The age categories are a guide. Only move children to the next level of restraint if they are too large for their current restraint.
- Most babies will move from rearward facing to forward facing between 6 and 12 months of age, depending on their size.
- Even though your child may have turned seven years of age, they should remain in a child restraint until they are tall enough to use an adult seatbelt. Research has shown that premature graduation to adult seatbelts greatly increases the risk of significant injury.*
Fitting a Restraint
When fitting a child restraint it is important to follow the manufacturer's instruction as a restraint which is not fitted or used correctly significantly reduces the safety protection provided by the restraint.
If you are unsure how to fit a restraint correctly contact an RTA Authorised Restraint Fitting Station in NSW (click here ) or an equivalent in your State or Territory (click here)
Buying a Restraint
If you are looking to purchase a new child restraint please check the Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP) Safety Ratings information (click here).
Visit the CREP website for help in choosing child restraints and advice on how to use them safely. The CREP website: |
 |
More Information
If you require further information on any other aspects of child passenger safety, please check out: the RTA website www.rta.nsw.gov.au; or the Kidsafe NSW FAQ fact sheet (click here).
Contact the RTA on 13 22 13 or Kidsafe NSW on 9845 0890 for specific enquiries you may have.
Feedback
If you would like to leave feedback about the Seat Me Safely program, please click here.
Kidsafe NSW acknowledges the Texas Department of Transportation for provision of some of the illustrations used in Seat Me Safely.
*The Danger of Premature Graduation to Seat Belts for Young Children Flaura K. Winston Dennis R. Durbin, Michael J Kallan and Elisa K.Moll Pediatrics 2000; 1051179-1183