diddy

We've got some visitors next week from the UK and they're bringing their one yr old son. From some vague memory I think there's a law about car seats in Australia - the way they're fitted and installed. Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Paul.

gedge

We had the same problem with family visiting.
Went to a local place that hires baby equipment (strollers, high chairs, travel cots, the lot) and they hired us a child seat. Worth a thought to see if you've a place locally.
Try The Bub Hub for more info and hire services in your area...
http://www.bubhub.com.au/infocarseats.shtml
http://www.bubhub.com.au/serviceshireqld.shtml

gedge

Forgot to add, I've fitted a few seats since being in Oz.
The shops and hire places tell you that anyone can fit them, or that they can do it for a small fee.

diddy

Thanks. That's the bit I wasn't sure about. For some reason I thought there was a law here saying someone qualified has to fit it.

Paul.

MrsDagboy

Hi Paul, AFAIK the UK ones arent approved to use here in Oz.

If you want to borrow one I have one here that we let our Destination Brisbane tenants use which isn't needed until the beginning of Feb. You would just need to come & pick it up.

gedge

No worries Paul.
Never gave it much thought before now, just believed the sales folk, so thought I'd check the rta (note this is NSW, but I'd think same would apply where you are).
Choosing a restraint

diddy

Thanks alot Mrs D, but I should be OK to borrow them from work.

The offer is really appreciated though.

The worrying thing is I've just realised from reading about this that my kids should still be in car seats, so I may just buy them.

Paul.

ABCDiamond

I think the confusion may be caused by the regulations relating to the fitting of the anchorage points, rather than the actual seat itself.


"Fitters currently need to obtain a certificate from the Vehicle Modification Branch before being approved as fitters for the Department of Transport. However most of this work is in the fitting and installing of anchorage points rather than overall fitting and checking." Kidsafe

gedge

Jeepers! I thought you could just hook them to any point you could find, bumper, spare wheel, tool box, dog's collar

ABCDiamond

When we got here, it actually came as quite a surprise that they had to be fixed to anything.
We were used to it just being held in place by the seat belt.

Also, in QLD, a child over 14kg is allowed to sit in the front seat, even with an air bag fitted. I've been telling my daughter that she wasn't allowed to, by law, for ages

diddy

Ta ABC. Looks like I can't use the roof rack anymore.

gedge

lol - get yerself a ute, plenty of room for the whole family!

ABCDiamond

I've not seen anything that specifically says you can't

diddy

But, where would I put the beer.

gedge

in the front with you and the air conditioning - sheesh do I have to explain everything???