child restraint age

In Australia, child restraint rules are age-based and annoyingly sensible—no, “but they’re tall” doesn’t trump the law.

Birth to under 6 months: rearward‑facing seat.

6 months to under 4 years: rear or forward‑facing with an inbuilt harness; no front seat if the car has two or more rows.

4 to under 7: a forward‑facing seat with harness or a booster with a properly adjusted seatbelt; front seat only if rear seats are already filled with under‑7s, or the car has one row.

From 7 up: booster or adult belt if it fits correctly—use the five‑step test (usually around 145 cm) rather than wishful thinking.

Laws are nationally consistent but enforced by each state, so check your road authority for the fine print.