An overview of why child car seats are so important to keep your child safe on the road.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
An overview of why child car seats are so important to keep your child safe on the road in te reo Māori.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
Watch in your preferred language.
Key points about car seats
- using a car seat correctly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your baby or child safe
- use a car seat that is suitable for your child's weight and height
- to be safest, tamariki need to be in booster seats until they are 148 centimetres tall
- keep your baby in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old
As the driver, you are responsible for the safety of children in your car.
Why car seats are important
When used correctly, child car seats, booster seats and safety belts can prevent injuries and save your child’s life.
It is important you use a car seat that is suitable for your child's weight and height. Carefully follow the instructions when installing it in your vehicle.
Keep your baby in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old. Once they have outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can move into a forward-facing car seat.
The back seat is the safest place for a child. During a crash, a front-seat airbag opens with great force and can seriously injure a child.
What to look for when buying a car seat
Waka Kotahi NZTA's videos talk you through the legal requirements for using car seats in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A video about buying a child car seat.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
A video about buying a child car seat in te reo Māori.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
Watch in your preferred language.
Find out the legal requirements for using child restraints including which restraint to use for their age and approved standards.
Where to put the car seat in your car
A video on where to install your child's car seat.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
A video in te reo Māori on where to install your child's car seat.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
Watch the video in your preferred language.
How to install your child's car seat
A video introduction to installing your child's car seat.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
A video introduction to installing your child's car seat in te reo Māori.
Source: Waka Kotahi - NZTA
Watch in your preferred language.
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.
Find out more about how to install your child's car seat by following the instructions on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
How to find a car seat technician in your area
The Waka Kotahi NZTA website offers a list of qualified car seat technicians across the country.
More information
Safekids has car safety information for all ages. Visit the Starship website to see the information for each age group, including:
