Child Car Seats

Key points to remember about car seats

• properly using a car seat is one of the most important things you can do to keep your baby or child safe
• New Zealand law says all children in vehicles must be correctly secured in an approved car seat (restraint) until their 7th birthday 
• to be safest, children need to be in booster seats until they are 148cm tall - this is usually when they are somewhere between 10 and 12 years old
• keep your baby in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old

What should I look for when buying a car seat?

The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website has tips on buying a car seat at their website. Their videos talk you through the legal requirements for using car seats in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Where should I put the car seat in my car?

Watch this Waka Kotahi NZTA video to find out the best place to install your car seat in your car.

How do I install my child's car seat?

Watch Waka Kotahi NZTA's introduction to fitting guide video, then answer the questions at the bottom of the page, and the site will point you to a video showing you how to install your type of car seat.

Where can I find more tips on installing car seats?

The Waka Kotahi NZTA site has a series of short videos with further helpful tips on installing and maintaining your child's car seat.

What if I have more questions about my child's car seat?

Watch these short Waka Kotahi NZTA videos for answers to frequently asked questions about car seats.

How can I find a car seat technician in my area?

See the Waka Kotahi NZTA website for a list of qualified car seat technicians across the country.