toddler and infant car seat placement 2022

Short version: in Australia, the infant (rear‑facing) seat goes in the safest spot you can fit correctly—ideally the centre rear; if that won’t work, behind the front passenger.

Toddlers should stay rear‑facing as long as the seat allows; once forward‑facing, keep them in a harnessed seat in the back row.

Children under 4 must not ride in the front seat in cars with two or more rows, and under‑7s only up front if there’s no back seat and they’re in the correct restraint.

Use the top‑tether and ISOFIX/lap‑sash points exactly as designed, never put a rear‑facer in front of an active airbag, and get the install checked by an authorised child‑restraint fitter—because guesswork and airbags are a terrible combo.

Regulations and anchor layouts vary by state and model, so follow your manuals and local road rules.