Child safety

Stage 2 - Forward-facing car seat

As your baby grows, you will need to move to a forward-facing car seat.

Remember it is safest to keep your baby in a car seat that allows them to be rear facing (facing the back window) in the vehicle until they are at least 1 year old, and then move them to forward facing.

Make sure that when your child sits in a forward-facing car seat:
•    The harness straps are over their shoulders and the harness is firm against their body
•    The harness is moved up as your child grows to keep the harness level with or above their shoulders
•    The chest tie, if provided, is at armpit height
•    You check the car seat harness buckle is clicked shut before you drive off.

Placing a forward-facing car seat in your vehicle:
•    Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
•    Place the car seat in the back – it’s safer.
•    Putting your weight in the car seat as you tighten the safety belt will help get a tight fit.
•    If your car seat has a tether strap, use this to hold the seat in tightly.
•    Always make sure the vehicle safety belt is buckled tightly through the car seat.

Your child is best protected in their forward-facing car seat until they have outgrown it. This is when:
•    Their eye level is at the top of the car seat
•    They are over the recommended maximum weight

Now is the time to move them to a booster seat.


If you have any questions about car seats or installing your car seat ask for advice from a Safe2go technician at a Plunket car seat rental scheme, another hire outlet or your retailer.